Summer is well and truly on it’s way, so I thought you might like some style inspiration from the London Fashion Weekend catwalk, where I was their official blogger. Say goodbye to classic colours and minimalisim, Holly Fulton’s SS16 catwalk was an explosion of colour and maximalism. She references vibrant art and charismatic women as inspiration for her designs, and for this season noteably the work of British surrealist Elieen Agar. The result is a contemporary collection in a kaleidoscope of colours, with prints, embellishment and embroidery galore. A true feast for the eyes.
Though Scotland is Holly’s home, she hails London as being the place she gets her creative energy from, “London constantly stimulates and excites me, it’s full of surprises and opportunities.” Holly studied at the prestigious Royal College of Art, and then in 2009 was picked to join the Fashion East line-up. It was this that gave her the impetus to start her own label. For the next five seasons she was awarded NEWGEN sponsorship, and since then has gone on to win numerous awards including ELLE New Designer of the year in 2010.
Key to her designs are graphic motifs, be they a placement or conversational print. Stars and flowers featured throughout the show. Particularly striking was the neat box jacket with floral conversational graphic in monochrome lime. In contrast she showcased statement brights next to decidedly wearable colours, for example a simple star printed shift dress in navy, with a thigh high spilt. Through her clothes, you can clearly see her love for Bauhaus design and Pop Art. Every outfit, was either bright itself or was complimented with a brightly coloured statement item such as a bag or jacket.
Despite the exuberance of colour and detail, Holly’s silhouettes are neat and tidy. Dresses are tailored and fitted, waists are high and nipped in, ruffles are simple and likewise cuffs and hems are flared in a sculptured rather than romantic fashion. The nod to denim within the collection, makes it more wearable. The flare is delivered in all its glory, high waisted, full length, worn with the only shoe viable- the platform heel. Of course this is Holly Fulton, we’re talking about, so her jeans are smart and embroidered with graphics.
Holly demonstrates a real sense of daring and fun in her work, delivering a collection that is in her own words, “strong, graphic, luxurious, maxilalism and contempory.” I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
Photos Rod Leon