THE BIG REVIEW: LCF Psychology in Fashion & Pop PR's AW17 Press Day

Aside from the first day of Fashion week - which I have yet to tell you about - I haven't really made it out to too many events so far this year; one because my health has not been conducive to making it outdoors and two, because I have been completely immersed in writing my debut novel. But as the fashion calendar starts to fill, there can be no denying that the shows are all on a rise, and so, out the likes of Yours Truly will trudge, to tell you all about what's been going on.

Yours Truly ready to face the day...

Last week for instance, there were two particular events of note that drew me away from my laptop (aka Hazie...cuz she's electric purple, a la Jimi Hendrix...?!) Well, the first was a Psychology in Fashion conference that I was convinced that I could not miss because of the Keynote Speaker - the one and only Caryn Franklin OBE whom, longtime readers will know that I am floored by, over and over again, having been a childhood icon of mine, that I have been blessed to interview twice on this very blog.

Unfortunately, my residual night pains and the daily difficulties that I suffer with as a result of the Fibromyalgia +12 (conditions); that I have been diagnosed with meant that getting to Central London from the outback in which I live, was a feat too impossible to surmount by 09:30 that day and, not wanting to disrupt the goings on, I decided to aim for the after lunch crowd, instead. My lovely Carer Kat and I were treated to five student presentations, all posing equally important questions to the world of comparative thinking. As interesting as they were however, it wasn't until an emergency stand in by Dr Carolyn Mair, Consultant in Psychology for Fashion, that the event really came alive for me.

Dr Mair gave a rousing presentation intended for another audience the following day, on the sustainability, but more importantly, the responsibility we have as fashion partakers; not just sitting back on our laurels and accepting what is fed to us, but also questioning what we think, read, and buy, for the good of our own land. I was glued not just to her every word, but to her gorgeous sense of style - her outfit of a pleather, black, capped sleeved tunic, with skinny black jeans with frayed edges and the most to die for gold patent pumps that I think I have ever seen!

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Fast forward two days and I was the one donning black and gold, this time for Pop PR, who kicked off the Autumn Winter season for their roster of artists on this side of the globe and off of it.

Andrew Majtenyi

Headed to Fitzrovia, this time with the beautiful Daniela in tow to take care of me, we headed to the Oui Group UK studios, to look at such items of beauty that I was lost for a moment in time. Beginning with the beautiful works of Andrew Majtenyi, I was entranced by his idyllic patterns and bodycons that had me wishing that I was the exact circumference of slimmest finger to fit into them. Next came the sumptuous furs, leather and suede of Hallie Sara for that essence of glitterati glamour to fully wash over you.

Hallie Sara

Shoes by Ganor Dominic followed and the designer herself was on hand to talk through her creations; unfortunately, we did not get the chance to share more than a cursory few words, but I found her to be very open and sweet as I eavesdropped! Framing her table were racks by the talented Laura Theiss, whose mesh, wool and crochet work were definitely the styles you want keeping you warm this so-called Spring (nee Winter). Leave it to my personal favourite, Ashley Isham to turn my eyes with teal blue gowns, amber mesh jackets and gold, sequinned jumpsuits that had me hankering for the male side of the wardrobe.

Jayne Pierson

Responsible for the Piece de Resistance, Jayne Pierson and her old Hollywood coat of peach-coloured, ostrich feathers, that wouldn't have been out of place on the backs of Rita Hayworth, Dorothy Dandridge, or Marilyn Monroe, made a new school convert out of me. Wanting to try on almost everything on her rack; it was her grafitti-covered leather jackets, one with rubber studs, the other with mesh sleeves, that brought loving tears to my eyes. Danslavie were to be found on the next rail but - being that her entire collection was made out of snake-skin (which I personally hate), I'm afraid you won't see much of what were some otherwise fantastic designs and cuts here!

Misa Harada London

Belle Sauvage and their statement garments caught my eye next, right before I was taken on an adornment journey - courtesy of millinery designers Misa Harada london. They had a design for every mood and some sparkle to cap it off...(see what I did there)? Okay, okay, well before you have me hung, drawn and quartered, let me first tell you that Sorapol delivered in all of their pearly iridescent finery.

Malan Breton's brilliance couldn't be confined to one rail; and so his New York and London collections were both there to be gasped at, along with a skincare and cosmetics range that just screamed 'Try Me'. Haircare brand Colour Proof were on hand for makeovers, before you reached the home stretch of jewellery makers Pyrrha for some elegant, ethereal vintage designs that were at once unique and delicate.

Malan Breton

Earrings by Zhang Yue

Additional hustle and bustle at the next table indicated something extra special was taking place. Fashion Crossover's London Team were representing a selection of creative talents from China who had created some of the most beautiful accessories I had seen all day. From hair adornments to jewellery, the display and background talk were definitely worth taking in. Back to the racks and the simple subtleties of Mimi Tran were next. Her embroidered range was stunning and not at all overpowering because the garment cuts themselves were simple canvases, clearly chosen to let the detailing shine, and that it did; a lovely collection.

Mark Fast

The works of Mark Fast were immediately recognisable because of his glamourous feather detailing. Like Jayne Pierson before him, he made sumptuous work of the ostrich feathers, until each piece screamed red carpet glamour. I reached Vivienne Pash, on the final rack just as the team were shutting up shop, and relished the symmetrical, column lines of her velvet and sequinned designs.

Reaching the end of the line was like coming down from a high, and so I had in mind my next fix. I had been double-booked to attend the press day of another professional friend of mine, only I hadn't noticed the time creep by until there wasn't enough time left to attend my second engagement! What that said was kudos to the ever lovely Portia 'Pop' Shaw and her team for putting on such a spectacular, prosecco-filled event, that allowed me to completely lose my sense of space and time - Cheers, my friend - here's to the next one!

For a look at the displays last week, head on over to the ESintheP Facebook Page, where you can revel in all the splendour.

Until the next...

ES

All images by Erica Sharlette for EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd.

WearItWednesday ESPnews My LFW SS17 Summary; IJL People's Choice Winner

Take 2 - and once again, I say WHEW, what a WEEK!

Repeating almost everything I wrote before my unruly computer crashed (yes, the Saga continues), I was busy telling you all about my exploits in the second week of the year, when the World's glitterati descend upon London Town...No, I'm not talking about the BAFTAs. Unless you've been living under a rock, then you will have known that England's capital has been under the spell of London Fashion Week - Spring Summer 17 - the 2nd most fashionable week in the annual calendar; and despite a conversation two years and three months ago, where I was told after the culmination of thirteen chronic, degenerative illnesses caused both legs to fail and put me in a hospital bed for almost six months in total due to severe weakness and pain; that I would no longer be able to maintain such activities - Yours Truly found herself FROW (Front Row for those not in the know) at every event I attended. I don't wanna blow my own trumpet, but can I get a round of applause, please? Just kidding...a simple comment below will do! :)

Friday

Starting with Ones To Watch; Ana Ljubinkovic, Anissa Aida, Billie Jacobina, and Ester Kubisz showed off the collections that earned them the coveted Fashion Scout title. Followed a little later by the beautiful talents of the unfamiliar Rocky Star who made such luxurious clothing, that I just wanted to roll around in the yards of satin and lace the gifted man used to create his collection.

Ana Ljubinkovic SS17

Rocky Star SS17

From middle-eastern bliss to hometown kitcsh; Pam Hogg's latest collection actually shocked me - find out why in my three-part SS17 series starting October 5th - yes, yes, I know that seems like a long time away, but in reality, it's a teeny weeny fortnight. A) because we have some other business to finish discussing first (Fashion Undressed, anyone?), b) because I need time to arrange the simply divine albums full of pictures that I captured for you; and c) because I have so much to share with you that I couldn't possibly bring you all of it by next week - it's a feat of human impossibility.

Pam Hogg - 'Great Expectations' SS17

Saturday

Day Two began on a sour note - where the exertions of the previous day had begun to catch up with me, I was completely exhausted and in utter pain, causing me to miss the first two shows of the day (Ever so sorry Ollari and Delna Poonawalla), at a Charing Cross hotel. I did however, make it in time for my highlight of the day - Ashley Isham's pool party theme did not disappoint. There was quite a wait after the spectacularity my lovely new Carer Ana and I had just witnessed (even she fell in love with a well-oiled, hunky, blue-eyed specimen); and so I used the opportunity to grab a complimentary hand massage at event sponsor's Crabtree & Evelyn's foliage / chill out zone, before taking in the exhibition.

Ashley Isham Fashion Scout Finale - London Fashion Week SS17 

Once done, it was time for cocktails courtesy of Forward PR and design label prophetik - or so my invitation said, until the very kind Security team who had been looking after  me - escorting me to pre-arranged seating areas, and genuinely becoming friends by the time the five days were over - informed me that actually, I had not been invited. Despite the print on my invitation, I had been misled; I was not invited to the cocktail portion of the evening, as I was missing a sticker. Kind as Security were however, they let Ana and I sneak in one glass of champagne, where I networked, and met a lovely lady designer that I shall be telling you more about at a later time.

Back to the shenanigans however, and after my refreshment I was escorted to the Gallery by my friend Uncle Bob...

My Uncle Bob who also looked after me throughout #LFW #SS17 at #FashionScout! I have to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU to ALL the Security staff who kindly looked after me, ushering me from show to show and making sure I had a good spot. You all have been amazing, and I'm #Blessed to have met you. #fblogger #fashionblogger #fashionbloggers #fashiontrends #stylelovers #Instafashion #Influencers #InstaArt #iLove #Runway #fashion #Style #Chic #Writer #Couture #HauteCouture #Innovation #ESintheP #Blogger #Diversity #ChronicIllness #ChronicAwareness #UKbloggers @BBlogRT #Fibromyalgia #Osteoarthritis

A photo posted by Erica Sharlette (@esinthep) on Sep 20, 2016 at 9:29am PDT

Whilst prophetik were still doing their run through, I got to hear the amazing Dorado soundcheck, as some of the models practised their walks. After a wait, and some more socialising, this time with one of the makeup company's sponsors, the show finally began, and we were introduced to designer Jeff Garner's 'Nevermore' collection.

prophetik SS17 'Nevermore' Finale - Fashion Scout

Sunday

Day Three was another tough start. My osteoarthritic hands had swollen exponentially from overuse. But, not to be deterred, I called on my Carer for assistance where need be, and despite missing my first show (my sincerest apologies Apu Jan), I made it to the Cimone show, which was the highlight of my day. 

Cimone SS17

Back in the exhibition area afterwards, I took the opportunity to talk with some of the Fashion Pioneers. I met the extraordinary designer Luca of Cruz Bueno, who talked me through his Greek mythology-inspired collection of Ready To Wear through to Couture designs. Look out for a special on his collection in the coming weeks.

Cruz Bueno SS17

House of MEA was next, and the sumptuous design collective left me breathless.

Studio H J, House of MEA SS17

As getting to the V&A via public transport in under half an hour would prove an impossible feat in a wheelchair; we decided to take in the Malan Breton show instead, and I'm ever so glad that we did. His collection was full of rigid lines, statement blocks of colour, brocade, and terse dark florals on rough fabrics that didn't soften with the addition of capes and trains. His designs implied they were made for a strong woman, destined to take the world by storm.

Malan Breton Finale - Fashion Scout SS17

Monday

By Day Four, my body had had it, and fought back against all my unauthorised adventures and activities. With the help of my amazing Mother and very sweet Carer, I managed to make it as far as my first mode of travel, before I had to concede defeat and return home to bed. Vin & Omi - I am so very sorry for not being able to attend what I am certain was a fabulous show. 

Tuesday

I rallied my strength for the final day of London's second most fashionable week of the year, with an industry net worth of £28 billion pounds (Mayor of London). Placed for David Ferriera's 'I Must Be The Reason For Your Erection' (yes, you did read that right); I was pleasantly surprised to find that the show was nothing like what the title suggested - instead it was...well, read all about it in the second instalment of Fashion Week special on October 12th. That wasn't all though - if you head over to the brand spanking new Facebook Page (in desperate need of some likes), you will catch the designer himself explain his theory behind the concept of the collection - don't miss it, he was really very sweet!

David Ferriera, 'I Must Be The Reason For Your Erection' SS17 - Fashion Scout

And there you have it - my summary of my first fashion week back on the circuit. My Jehovah willing, I'll make it back to many more. I hope I did you all proud, don't forget to look out for the reviews in detail on each designer's piece of work, with dedicated photo albums on the Facebook Page mentioned above. Let me know your thoughts on my take on YOUR stage below - I'm waiting to hear from you!

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IJL 2016 announce KickStarter Marina Skia as winner of the People’s Choice Award

Marina Skia has been voted by the industry as the winner of the much coveted, eighth IJL 2016 ‘People’s Choice’ award and will receive a free stand in the IJL Design Gallery in 2017.

Sam Willoughby, Event Director, commented: "Many congratulations to Marina who mounted a very successful social media campaign. A big thank you also to the industry for their considerable support which has helped promote all of this year’s KickStarters. We are all looking forward to seeing their work at IJL2016.”

Marina Skia is currently Artist in Residence at Sir John Cass, London Metropolitan University. She cleverly identified people and organisations with large groups of followers, mainly through Facebook, to engage their support of her campaign. This included several fashion bloggers as well as Cass students, staff and friends on Facebook.

Her strategy paid off and her campaign reach grew thanks to numerous shares, new followers and messages of support from people who voted for her. On being chosen, Marina said: “I am delighted and honoured to win the People’s Choice Award. The competition provided the perfect opportunity to promote my work to a bigger audience and winning it is a great step forward for my brand. I was so surprised by the enthusiasm and support I received during the campaign and am very grateful to all who helped me win the People’s Choice Award.”

Marina draws on the beauty, forms and shapes encountered in Nature. The sea and the motion of water is one of her strongest sources of inspiration. Her work is graphic and characterized by bold geometry, clean lines, and an emphasis on detail. In her brass and silver pieces Marina combines traditional hand making skills she was taught while training as a jeweller in Greece, with contemporary technologies she was introduced to while studying jewellery design in London.

The unique KickStart scheme is run by IJL and supported by the National Association of Jewellers, and is an excellent way for retailers and buyers to discover the talent of the future.

The full line up for KickStart 2016 is Joanna Bury, Emily Richardson (Emily Richardson Jewellery), Emma Calvert, Sammie Jo Coxon (SJC London), Cécile Gilbert, Vicky Lew, Lucas Mitchell (Lucas Alexander), Charlotte Scott Moncrieff (CF Concept), Marina Skia and Jonna Jarvenpaa and  Laura Vilppula (Addalit). For more details, please go to: www.jewellerylondon.com/kickstart

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And that's it for this week! Up next is OnTrends - Enjoy!

Until the next...

ES

Fashion Week photographs courtesy of EricaSharlette for EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd.

People's Choice Award photographs courtesy of Hammond PR.

#ESPspotlight REVIEW: LONDON FASHION WEEK - PART TWO: What The Fuzz?

Back at Freemasons' Hall for Day Two, Saturday's ESP calendar began with a beautifully artistic presentation, by a designer I was first introduced to on the Jewellery Show London catwalk back in June. 

#FUZZLAYERGLOSSBOX is the Chanel-weaving inspired, SS14 collection by Hellen Van Rees; the Dutch-born designer who brought 1920s and 30s evening elegance to the stately West London venue. Closed curtains, soft lighting, hushed tones and aperitifs added a touch of regalia to an affair that forgave supping before midday, in a fashionable land that time forgot.

As much as catwalks have become my undisputed favourite pastime of 2013 (seriously, I highly doubt they'll ever get old); there is something about watching thematic movement in the fashion, that gives an entirely new layer of depth to the presentation, and perception to the art. Think visiting a museum, where the works orbit around you, and every new light and angle add a new detail to the story. That folks, is essentially what you experience at a collection presentation. Unlike on the catwalk, where you are removed from the clothing, and have the sum total time of a doubleback walk to get everything you can from your single vantage point; in a presentation, you can get as close to, or stay as far from the works as you choose, at mostly your own pace, and take in every last detail that strikes you, from a 360-degree view. In that way, presentations outweigh catwalks, and this collection was a perfect way to emphasise the difference.

'#FUZZLAYERGLOSSBOX' - Hellen Van Rees SS14

'Juxtaposition' was the first description to come to mind as I watched the models rotate around the points on the wooden flooring marked by (what appeared to be) white tape, and messy tissues. Black vs. White, Smooth vs. Frayed, Shine vs. Matte, Futuristic Rubber vs. Vintage Tweed; throughout all were opposite ends of the spectrum, challenging you to take notice. One model in particular took the brief to heart, not just modelling the clothing, but literally performing the cocktail-wear, taking the beauty of Van Rees' simple lines to the next level, until you fancied yourself a modern day Rita Hayworth - if only you too, could pour yourself into one of the slinky silhouettes.

Wispy chignons with 'barely-there' faces, and glossy, cherry lips were the model's uniform look; with black or white woven wedge heels that matched the dresses to cap the looks. The only jewellery were rubber cuffs that matched the hem detail of the dresses. Van Rees described the collection as a continuation of the stories from her last, a piece from which, she was even wearing at the show. If that's the case, then you can be sure that #FUZZLAYERGLOSSBOX is where the plot really starts to take off.

Show over and chilled glass empty, it was almost time for another of the highlights that I had been looking forward to - the BasharatyanV Gallery catwalk. Introduced to the lovely lady's 'Broken Angel' AW13 release at my first Fashion Week outing in February; I was both excited and curious to see how the designs would translate between AW13's presentation setting, versus the bright lights and fast pace of a catwalk show, produced by renowned stylist Beth Buxton.

Entitled 'Frida', Veronica Basharatyan immortalised Mexican feminist and surrealist painter, Frida Kahlo de Rivera. Bold green seemingly-aztec prints, with bright oranges and almost neon yellow strands coursed through chiffon tops, paired with white trousers kicked things off before moving onto similar prints in unusual, but beautiful pastels. Jackets replaced the chiffon tops, and what had appeared to be aztec or similar at the top of the runway, became tiered 'X's by the end of the walkway. Floaty dresses and streamlined skirts with simple layered tops returned the chiffon to the collection and with it, a youthful, girly air that saw the collection straddle two age demographics without giving away its gravitational pull.

'Frida' - BasharatyanV SS14

A far cry from Ugly Betty, Basharatyan's almost poncho-style tops easily carried a lighter, airier echo from its rich and heavy, satin dress equivalents of Broken Angel. As more variations on the printed theme were presented, so were the sharp corners of unorthodox square necklines, versus the gathered cuffs and knotted hems that reinforced the earlier mentioned 'rough with the smooth' opposition. By the beautiful billowing maxi-dress finale of the same pastel print as the earlier pieces, my question of how Veronica's works would translate from presentation to catwalk had been addressed - the answer was brilliantly. Model uniforms in celebration of the artist, were signature helmets of pinned blonde curls, with bushy, sharp brown brows, on otherwise bare faces. Footwear mainly consisted of nude, open-toe stilettos that were subtle enough not to clash with, or distract from, the garments in anyway, whilst still packing a sexy feminine punch.

In a 1-2 combination, the clothing mood suddenly shifted from soft and feminine, to gutsy and bold, in one fell swoop. Blocks of bold Summer shades raised the catwalk temperature, as the inner bad girl that you didn't even know Kahlo had, came out to play. The floaty lines remained sans chiffon, instead replaced by heavier textures to carry the prints. Bodycon dresses with subtle slits connected that initial bright orange with alluring modern day glamour. Bright halters and bandeau dresses with white elastic anchors, showed the line could be spirited yet playful, whilst gorgeous wide leg trousers in the same colour were almost enough to detract deserving attention from what appeared to be an illusory white t-shirt with a small waistcoat print that in reality, turned out to be an ubersmart jumpsuit. Ironically, smart added a layer of sexy, as the clothes striped down to midriff-baring separates. Monochrome was a barely noticeable segue away, before the pièce de résistance - a sombre, but shapely 'LBD', just perfect for an under the radar, day to eveningwear transition.

A short charging break later, and my intention was to experience a different side of Fashion Week, by visiting the hallowed bricks of Somerset House for the British Fashion Council's Rock Vault and Estethica Showrooms, where Imogen Belfield, Ada Zanditon, and phannatiq were all exhibiting, represented by Felicities PR. Unfortunately, on landing through the rabbit hole, I learned of not only the ugly, unseen side of BFC politics, but also had my first bad encounter at a venue that I've come to cherish as my own fairytale Wonderland since my first visit, back in February. Joining the absurdly long and slow queue at the Event's Press Desk, it took a longwinded episode of "Umm's, Ahh's" and "just let me check's", to establish that my clear and concise paperwork was apparently "not in order" - although the Front of House staff member I spoke with "couldn't really be sure". And so began my pillar to post adventures in the still pouring rain; that saw me admitted, then refused, and redirected to various departments across three different wings, over a ninety-minute period, before finally being despatched to the Press Centre - a huge, specially erected corner structure, managed by the rudest man I have met all year (and that's saying something). This wonderfully sunny specimen of the human race not only rejected all forms of my documentation, but also gleefully informed me, that even if he were willing to admit me which - make no mistake, he wasn't - I would need to purchase additional documentation, for the bargain basement price of £75! Furthermore, I really should be grateful for the (non) offer, as this was inclusive of a discount, based on that aforementioned, unsuitable paperwork!

The best part of two hours now wasted, I channelled my frustrations into fuel, and went in search of the Ashley Isham catwalk show, in an unchartered part of Freemasons' Hall. For the first time, not a single member of staff I asked, had the faintest clue where in the building the show was being held; instead, I was literally shoved into the Alessia Prekop show, by a stern, matronly woman I was simply too well-mannered (and slightly scared of) to refuse...

As chance would have it, Mistress Matron did me a favour by frightening me to my core. As the first monochromatic structure advanced down the runway, I was transfixed by the unusual puffed sleeves, and contrasting details of the supersmart A-line dress, easily spotted from the near mile distance that was the runway wings, to the Photographer's pit. The model's 'uniform' hi-shine, slicked back, tightly wound chignon, and pointed black and silver stilettos might have been considered severe, were it not for the neon eyebrows (mostly hot pink for blondes, and electric blue for brunettes, although there would be the odd switch up throughout, just to keep us viewers on our toes). Added to double-winged, liquid black liner, mauve lips, dark nails and silver rings; the overall effect made for a modernity that felt almost alien-like beneath the enticing surface. Think Natasha Henstridge in Species (minus the neon brows of course) and you're on the right road.

Although monochrome was the anchor, the shades that Prekop used to contrast with the black, combined with the crescent moon shoulders, commanded your full and immediate attention, although the collection began to lose me a little when I saw too many similarities to both Hellen Van Rees and Lulu Liu's AW13 offerings. Challenging myself to find a distinction, it didn't take long once the topic of shape was thrown into the equation. Alessia Prekop's individuality is in her architecture. If you strip away the familiarity of the colour palettes, and focus purely on the structural design, that is where you'll find the reason why this lady's talents stand on their own. 

Alessia Prekop SS14

Niche attraction determined, there was still the massive draw of her chosen textures and materials to consider. There was a touch of 'Vogue Vixen' to be found throughout, and it emanated mostly from leather. It didn't matter how business-like the smart daywear appeared, there were quirks to be found in the cuts and detailing of all, as they were where the stories behind the designs were to be found. From the dome-like shapes of torso structures, contrasted with the teensiest of details - cinched waists, material contrasts, and ribbing - right up to the variance in constructural lines; each design celebrated the female form with seductive simplicity. Every piece was alluring, without losing the merest hint of class. 

Alessia Prekop SS14

Fully expecting to have missed the Ashley Isham catwalk presentation scheduled for the exact same time, I decided there was really no harm in the futile exercise of triple-checking in person, and so off I headed to corners unknown in the historical building. Several wrong turns later, I somehow managed to find myself backstage, in a sea of models, hurriedly being pushed into the correct line up, bedecked in none other than Mr Ashley Isham! The kind stage management team took pity on my lost, harried soul, and sent me to The Pit from where I stood, rather than sending me back into the marble maze in search of the correct entrance, which would most certainly have sealed my fate to miss the show once and for all. To that lovely bunch, I am eternally grateful!

Ashley Isham SS14

The first thing you noticed once the house lights came up, were the House of Flora 1920s cloche hats which, seemed a bit nutty if I'm truly honest (of course, that all changed once I got outside in the cold, but that's a whole other story). Helmet-like and reaching down to, if not past the bow of several glossy red liplines, with eye holes cut out and covered by discreet netting; the millinery was impossible to take your own naked eyes away from; at least they would have been, were it not for the stunning footwear doing damage to my imagination in every sumptuous velour colour presented. The black and white daisy patterned skirts and shorts were flirty and feminine, but Isham didn't stop there. From loose separates to shift dresses; the ruching in the soft-looking materials were chic and elegant. Jeweled embroidery, ruffles and chiffon took elegance to decadence, as we moved from day to evening, to occasionwear.

Ashley Isham SS14

Ashley Isham SS14

Trains in tinted, transparent plastic were an edgy surprise. The more traditional floating chiffon, and other rich and light textures moved through the air like ripples on water. The materials were cut so perfectly, that the draping hung from each frame to its maximum effect, so that the garments appeared to mimic an extension of the model's own form, from almost every angle. It wasn't until we were presented with two creations so elaborate and highly detailed that they could easily have passed for vintage bridal gowns from an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel; that you realised that this was the most complete collection seen across the whole of the two days thus far. Isham took us on the most stylish of journeys - from the office, to relaxing luncheons in the sun, to galas, to the altar - in just over ten minutes, leaving you revelling in the heady delights of each combined stage.

The perfect ending to a mixed day, it was time to brave the full-blown storms outdoors and head home; daring my imagination to picture the escapades that Day Three would hold...

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Don't miss this catwalk round up on the ESP YouTube channel for the day's highlights... 

See Day Two through my eyes, in the picture album that you will find in the usual gathering spot - that's the ESP Facebook Page for you newbies - and don't forget to share your thoughts on the photos, below, or express yourself through the medium of 'LIKES' on the individual pictures, the album, or even the page itself, if you so feel the need!

Until the morrow!
ES ;)