It's always feels a little bit surreal attending a 'mainstream' catwalk show at London fashion Week. I tend to spend most of the week at the Vauxhall Fashion Scout venue at Freemasons' Hall, discovering designers whose creations will wrap themselves up in my memory, tickle my senses and visit my daydreams, but will rarely make it anywhere near the high-street. But perhaps those collections that most easily translate to the high street and affordable fashion are sometimes the most relevant. So as I took my seat at the Felder Felder show, I placed my feet firmly on the ground and awaited a far more sober collection but with the hope of a hint of the compelling and enigmatic.
View my images from the show at Lionheart Magazine
As the theatre filled up, a swarm of photographers descended upon a front row celebrity. A chorus of 'over her' and 'this way, love!' journeyed through the show space. There was no way this show was starting any time soon. The Telegraph's Hilary Alexander; always cool, always self-assured, sat down next to me, together with an acquaintance/colleague/ peer and we briefly exchanged pleasantries. I suddenly felt like I had ascended my London Fashion Week newbie tag. I was now a seasoned fashion week journalist. The photographers dispersed, the standing took their seats and the lights dimmed as the show began.
Synonymous with a rock chick aesthetic; skimpy black skirts and dresses and fiercely embellished leather, identical twin sisters, Annette and Daniela Felder (better known as Felder Felder), took a leap from their comfort zone with a burst of warm and earthy tones, to bring us their new Autumn/Winter 2012 collection, 'Blonde', at London Fashion Week.
Inspired by photographer Ryan McGinley's nudes, presented within caves and against geological landscapes, the sisters dipped into the foundations of nature to develop a collection that brandishes the spontaneity and energy of nature; minerals and rock, the sun and the earth.
"We wanted to create a visually vibrant collection that at the same time gives a feeling of spontaneity and confidence", says Daniela Felder.
Quasi thirties inspired garments, were met with nineties grunge, spawning outfits that illustrated a carefree, satisfied attitude with a gentle sophistication. Unrefined, earthy prints repeated over surprisingly flattering georgette leggings, long sleeved blouses and the Felder Felder trademark skater skirts and dresses. These were layered with sheepskin wraps, loose and luxurious salmon pink knits and the memorable leather skater bib dress.
Beaded shift dresses hinted at a lengthier flapper dress, whilst figure-molding jumpsuits in techno prints provoked thoughts of the nineties. An outfit only, for those gifted with perfectly lean silhouettes, I think!
I believe I glimpsed the seventies too, traipsing through with fitted dresses, exhibiting gathered cuffs and slim belts, and long floaty evening wrap dresses bearing extended slits to give a confident, sexy impression. These and the finale dress, were by far my favourite; romantic and exquisite and reminiscent of the sensual outfits adorning the beautiful women of the Bond world.
As expected, an entirely wearable collection from the Felder sisters, but this time, embracing a fiery passion, chipping away at the cynical darkness of their past collections.