Clio Peppiatt Spring 2015

Considering I’ve been stalking this designer for months on social media, it seems ludicrous that I haven’t had time to properly introduce Clio Peppiatt! I posted an outfit inspired by the British designer a while ago, but never really took the time to discuss her work??? Yeah, basically even I’m surprised by that gross oversight. Clio Peppiatt has been active since Fall 2014, but I decided to review her most recent collection first. While chronological order has its appeal (for very obvious reasons), since I have so much blogging to catch up on I’d prefer to have a holistic view on what’s coming out of London Fashion Week before rummaging through archives and focusing on each designer individually. There’s a bunch of amazing British designers with an insane online following and well-defined aesthetic who I find absolutely inspiring in terms of producing color, often hand-illustrated work. So, without further ado: Clio Peppiatt.

It’s not a collection which can be easily pigeon-holed within a certain motif or concept, which is kind of the reason why I like it so much. Each piece stands out on its own, with the commonalities being a pastel color palette and ruffles Carmen Miranda style. The lookbook itself is reminiscent of Wes Anderson's Bottle Rocket, with just a lil' bit of American Hustle through the “rose-tinted lens” of photographer Alex Prager.  The collection was in fact, shot by Nadia Lee Cohen, however, the low angle shots and heavily processed images creating distinctly surreal blue skies reminds me a lot of Prager’s narrative photo series. In much the same way, it feels like there’s a story hidden in here somewhere but we’re not seeing the full picture. The clothes however, remain the star of the show and are heavily intertwined with the creatives at Polyester Zine, particularly founding editor in chief, Ione Gamble, who owns a pair of custom knee high boots from this very collection. 

As daft as it may sound I’m always a little overwhelmed when it comes to dreaming up outfits for Summer, particularly on those 100 degree days when my entire face feels like it’s melting and my arm pits have bad breath. I had every intention of buying the ruffle shrimp top from this very collection, however, even the best laid plans can sometimes go amiss. I had hoped to buy it on sale (sometimes discount codes are announced via the ClioPeppiatt Instagram account, however, it seems like I’ve been out of luck for the last couple of months. That, and I’d also love to own that mermaid bodysuit. The colors are absolutely perfect, it looks just like something Kailey from Mermaidens would wear. I’d love to know if, like me, you have a favorite piece from this collection and how/ when you would wear it! Also since I have nothing but time on my hands and there’s a cool designer you’ve been crushing on lately I’m dying to know (hint hint, comment below!) I'd also though I'd mention that Clio Peppiatt are currently looking for interns in London between November and February. If you're interested, shoot them an email!

Molly Goddard Spring 2016

When interviewed by Susie Bubble for Topshop's Youtube channel, Molly Goddard hinted at more of her tulle and embellished creations. The idea that something inexpensive such as tulle or calico being transformed through hours of work and various techniques shines through once more. Goddard's signature designs, loosely based on the designer's own baby clothes have carried her in good stead throughout several seasons at London Fashion Week. Last season saw an impromptu art lesson complete with live drawing class. The nature of the show in itself turned heads, but perhaps things are starting to slow down. We've watched each collection progress and mimic stages of adult life from infancy and now into college. As a sign of maturity, Goddard has gone one better, creating floral embroidery on apple green netted dresses and matching tights. As someone who still regularly tosses and turns at night lusting over Rodarte's spiderweb tights I have my heart set on owning some of Molly Goddard's hosiery. 

*Images via WWD

Baby Bear

There's been a whole business of incorporating the humble teddy bear into runway collections, editorials and photo shoots of independent designers. The catalyst for this moodboard was undoubtedly the teddy bears at the Moschino Fall 2013 show, but I wanted to further explore the theme. Jeremy Scott did not champion this idea but social media and the street style phenomenon has popularized his designs above all others. It seems rather unfortunate that the pioneers of underground culture, in particular style such as FRUiTS go unrecognized. However this idea inspired by doe-eyed young girls (and boys!) dragging their favourite teddy around everywhere is universal. It comes as no surprise that the motif does not reoccur as does many major trends, but is ever present in the background rather than at the forefront. The idea of a stuffed bear as a constant companion has therefore been replaced in many instances by a favourite clutch, a pair of trademark sunnies or a cell phone. They are objects which become an integral part of our identity and self-expression and without them we would feel utterly lost.

1- Ashley Williams FW13. 2- The Beckerman Sisters in Coach. 3- Photography by Rachel Louise Hodgson for Haunt-Mag.com Issue 5. 4- original design by Molly Trubody. 5- Björk . 6- 60′s dorm room. 7- Ashley Williams A/W13 via The Guardian, 8- Shutter & Love Girls are Dancin’ on In Tokyo, 1996 compiled and edited by Kotari Iizawa. 10- Street Style at Milan Fashion Week via FashionGum.com, 11- Vogue Australia November 2013. 12- Antonina Vasylchenko by Danil Golovkin for Vogue Russia, December 2012. 13- Backstage at Ashley Williams' Fashion East Show, 14- Moschino Fall 2015 Runway. 9 & 15- original designs by ShopFloorWhore.