The second leg of ‘A La Mode’ London Fashion Week didn’t disappoint. In fact, it prompted me to consciously stop myself from buying straight off the runway, an innate discipline I usually pride myself in having as a fashion writer. Read on to find out what had my tongue wagging and how the event put Ukraine on my style watch radar!
Unfortunately, I was late to catch Omar Mansoor’s collection. While I don’t usually advocate tardiness, I blame the London Underground! 
From what I gather though, Mansoor’s line drew inspiration from the British theatre scene and focused heavily on floor-sweeping gowns adorned with intricate embellishments. I scored some images off his website to give you an idea of what I missed – my sincere apologies!
Photo Credit: Omar Mansoor
I did make it just in time to catch ‘Professional Suicides’, Valery Kovalska’s 16-look collection. The showcase started off with a gorgeous electric blue and grey palette on leather fabrics that perfectly sculpted a slouchy slim silhouette. This was seriously love at first sight.
The exhibit swiftly moved onto structured suits that featured a stunning lightning print.
Until it began to completely deconstruct the power suit into floor sweeping couture. The effect was gorgeous. Personally, Kovalska was one of the few designers showcased to have a completely full and encapsulated collection. It was a line I’ve promised myself not to forget.
To see more of the collection, click here. On a complete side note, doesn’t Kovalska kind of look like Lady Gaga?
Next up was Belinda Liu, whose collection I felt was made by Maria for the von Trapps – the exhibit comprised of adorable peplums and mini-pantaloons on textiles made for the curtain rail.
It swiftly progressed into the stuff of racy lacey boudoir…
Before regressing into outerwear for Maria von Trapp herself. I found Liu’s full-length designs to be very reminiscent of Catherine Malandrino silhouettes – so sweet.
Zed Eye’s collection was electric. I very quickly learned that she was a local independent favourite, and that most of the guest list had come to see her that night. I understood why even quicker.
Zed Eye showcased tribal prints and feathers on a romantic Edwardian colour palette and silhouette to great effect.
Zed Eye’s line was inspired, fresh and different without comprising any regard for the female shape. It was everything I hoped to have seen from an upcoming designer. Simply gorgeous. Below lays the dress I would’ve ripped the model off of in a heartbeat.
Malam showcased a modern update on fairy tale petticoats and folklore frocks. In fact, the entire collection evoked the Fables series – fluid ruffles against pastel colour schemes, armed with pointed witch-hat hoodies, finger-less gloves and boots.
It was all very romantic Harajuku.
Kate Williams opened her showcase every bit the Australian designer, focusing hard on swimwear.
Her collection swiftly moved onto classic monochrome cuts given a slight contemporary twist…
And ended Day 2 on a lulling note. While Williams featured a gorgeous array of severe feminine maturity, I would have very much preferred to have wrapped up the event with high energy – Zed Eye would have most definitely fit the bill in this case.
But I commend La Geneve North Events on their fourth season during London Fashion Week. It’s a great opportunity for the media and buyers to keep up with the burgeoning international scene, and a great platform for upcoming independents alike.
What do you think of all the looks; which was your favourite?
Photo Credit: Kevin Larken
Tags:
a la mode, la geneve north events, London Fashion Week, ss2011
