Katie Jones Spring 2016

Katie Jones is a true revolutionary, proving that recycled and reclaimed materials can be just as beautiful, if not more. By marrying ethical consumerism with vibrant colors and motifs her visually striking approach is distinct from any of her contemporaries. For Spring 2016 she's knitted up another storm of color and texture, proving that her material of choice isn't just for Fall. Vibrant crop tops, crocheted mini skirts and drawstring bucket bags are just some of the items she's lovingly crafted which seem perfect for a day at the seaside. The collection looks it's best and brightest in front of a festive cactus, hot pink backdrop and studio lighting channeling Marina and the Diamond's latest album, Froots. In fact, I wouldn't be at all surprised if some inspiration was taken from the British songstress. The whole collection is a mashup of British iconography, best described as a mashup of pop stars and British celebrities from two different eras, the present-day and swinging 1960s. In a single phrase: Twiggy meets Froots. 

In case the reference wasn't obvious, the intense artificial lighting and vibrant colors is reminiscent of Marina and the Diamond's latest album cover, and the bold eyeliner was championed by the mod model Twiggy. Their sum is greater than their equal parts and when combined, has created something just as iconic, playful and innovative. Leather patches, crochet, plastic and yarn are used as a highly unusual canvas, upon which, Jones has created a landscape of festive clothing. Every season she reinvents the humble denim jacket, emblazoned with her own range of iconography in the form of stars, hearts and flowers. If you were lucky enough to attend this year's Port Elliot Festival, you might have even attended her workshop and incorporated some of these leather offcuts in a Katie Jones inspired DIY. This season is no exception, although baggy jumpers and the most amazing pair of custom jeans were also in the mix. Basically, those jeans are everything I want and more from a pair of pants.

If you've read my reviews of her work before, you'll know I'm a big fan of her work and modus operandi. Sidebar: If you're particularly interested in ethical design, I recommend keeping up with Katie Jones on twitter or instagram, or by checking out the hashtag, #WASTENOT. While some designers struggle to make it a part of their business model, or only achieve some form of tokenism in their approach, Katie Jones ensures it's an integral part of her identity as a designer. The techniques she employs only promotes this knack for reclaimed and recycled materials, but it's so interesting that a young and relatively new designers has taken on this approach with such fantastical results. She's also really grown her brand laterally this season, putting greater emphasis on accessories, such as the pom pom earrings, hair ribbons and custom crochet sandals, a collaboration with Juju footwear. It's only a matter of time before she's able to make her work a commercial success, and I for one cannot wait.

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!

Acne Studios Resort 2016

I didn't think it was possible, but a brand has built their reputation on being polished and yet eccentric all at once. At the core of it, the clothes are to the highest standard but the styling is both weird and wonderful. From bowl cuts with purposeful cowlicks and buzz cuts, traditionally masculine haircuts have been softened and the notion of gender blurred. The result is wonderfully eccentric, and pants shrouded by long coats looking not too dissimilar to skirts with deep splits. Also for those concerned with ~trend reports~ (though I despise such superficial, clickbait garbage) pointed shoes are back in vogue. I loved the thick elasticised ankle straps and frayed edges characterising the Acne Resort collection. Like normal people, I do not enjoy sliding around in shoes which do not fit properly, or imagining my shoes slipping off my feet and into a nearby gutter. Unlike thin straps they also don't cut into the skin, although they do result in some interesting tan lines. Tattoo chokers have also enjoyed a recent revival and Acne have done just that- translating something tacky into high fashion.

Images via Vogue.com