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!

Ground control to Major Tom

Where does the time go?????? Like honestly, it feels like it should be April or something and not October- the spookiest month of them all. Unfortunately I have a big looming deadline hanging over me and my ability to get down and get witchy is seriously hampered. I hope to bring you lots of sparkly and new content next month, as well as December but for now all I can offer is a short moodboard.

1- unknown & 2- Emmanuel Beguinot shot by Susie Bubble.

The Armour

Armour is defined as something which offers the wearer protection and is therefore traditionally conceptualised as tough and unforgiving. It is heavy and all but smothers the person underneath, but what if it didn't have to be about hiding the person underneath? Alexander McQueen and more recently Bouchra Jarrar's couture shows have proven that feathers can be used in a similar way. For birds they offer protection from the elements but are also used in order to attract the opposite sex in flashy shows of display or camouflage to suit their surroundings. Many of the aforementioned designers have stuck to rich earthy tones when using their feathers simply allowing texture to reign supreme. Compared to the other couture this season, Susie Bubble noted that Jarrar's collection was a welcome reprieve from the spectacles of fashion week. This resounding approval only reinforces the idea that feathers frequent some of the more spectacular editorials. Indeed it is somewhat overwhelming to imagine where one would wear such an outfit but as always, fashion can be used as more of an escape.

1, 4, 5, 8- Bouchra Jarrar via Style Bubble. 2- Grace Bol by Simon Burstall for Hunger Magazine. 3- Giambattista Valli, Alexander McQueen. 6- Mia Wasikowska in Alexander McQueen's Ostrich Feather and Silk Dress 'Dual in the Sun'. 7- Lady Gaga in Alexander Mcqueen SS11. 9- Chanel, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent. 10 & 13- Bouchra Jarrar Couture Fall 2015 photographed by Kevin Tachman. 11- Feather Dress from the Alexander McQueen SS08. 12- Versace, Alexander McQueen. 14- Lady Gaga in Alexander McQueen.

Pilgrimage to Witch Mountain

I normally pride myself on my ability to look at fashion inspiration from around the world and synthesize it into something new, but perfection cannot be improved upon. And so, I humbly hope you enjoy this photo shoot styled by Shirley Kurata shot at Salvation Mountain. Two of my favourite things in the world artfully combined together and showcasing the best designer couture pieces with vintage treasures. The affect is simply too stunning for words.

Photography: JUCO
Styling: Shirley Kurata
Hair and makeup by David Tolls with Workgroup
Photo Assistant: Tom McKenzie
Stylist Assistant: Sue Choi
Model: Nora at Muse Management