Vintage undoubtedly will always be niche apparel, targeting those amongst us; though subtle it may be, just have to clinch that reflective edge off the fashion forward. Even the catwalk can’t escape it as upcoming designer Louise Gray, exhibiting her 2010 prêt-a-porter collection at ‘The London Show Rooms 8 day event’ dictates to us.

Originally Gray stood for anti fit and anti conformism, which abundantly flows through her ‘out of bed’ looks, which focused on draping heavy knits, solid dresses, A-line shapes and 60’s hippy florals.


From Scotland and Central St Martin’s graduate, Louise has made a lasting impression on the frivolous apparel market. Retrospectively her acclaim has been achieved for flamboyancy, colour merges and contrasting shapes.

Playing with the juggernaut giants, her 2010 collection, it’s pretty clear that her that Alice is truly left wonderland. Utilising backdrops to model the clothing, Gray transforms the everyday apparel into a whimsical work of art, latching on the make believe and intertwining fabric with fantasy. Its commercial appeal to the likes of WAD and Purple may be immense, however their apparel appeal lack in substance in order to compete with the likes of McCartney.

However I have to say, it’s the quintessential nature of this collection that has me hypnotised, drawing inspiration from all the novelty hype, Gray has created a collection truly worthy of recognition. Mirroring tailoring representative of 80’s punk and ‘nauticalness’, there is a strong sense of engrossment, as though Gray had actually captured the spirits of ‘Alices’ characters herself.

 

One thing is for certain the bold colour palletes of 2010 are sure to get her noticed.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed that her 2011 collection is as mad as this hatter!

Words by Claire Marie Levick. Images courtesy of IMAXtree.com/MattoVolta.

If you liked this article, you may also like Harvey Nichols Fashion Show ...

Recent comments...

You must be registered and logged in to post a comment.

All comments submitted on this page do not express the views of MFN, we will endeavor to remove any offensive, rude, defamatory comments.