.Article

. Designer Interview

. Event Image Gallery

Battle of the Quants fashion show review - By Kyrsty Jade Hazell

Photography: Alex Leonhardt - http://www.ale-photo.com and Tom Swain

Above pic: from left Kyrsty Hazell and a friend at the show party

When looking at the invite entitled 'Battle of the Quants' I envisaged an array of kooky, mod-inspired styles sporting the trademark, 'Quant' (aka Mary Quant) slick sharp bob all battling it out against each other to see who could out 'Quant' each other. I imagined it to be yet another blatant nod towards the Sixties trend which has spectacularly boomeranged back into our wardrobes to the point of nauseous. However, I was pleasantly surprised when arriving backstage as the collection appeared to be bursting with colour and energy…and not a Quant hair style in sight.

The fashion show was showcasing the collection by upcoming fashion designer Georgie W, who at this stage was sprinting around the room ensuring her clothes were catwalk ready. In conjunction with Nolcha, the show promised to be a spectacular event and us fashionista's at La Geneve North magazine were at the front line ready to review the collection (not to mention trying to bag the best pieces).

I was asked to stand up at the end of the catwalk and commentate on the collection as they were presented on the catwalk (move over Tyra Banks, there's a new fashion bitch in town!) After a quick check of the make up and a glance over the running order, I was ready to see what treasures were in store.

The stark contrast between the collection itself and the backdrop, which was the authentic and historic architecture of the conference room within the Park Lane Hotel, made the atmosphere so much more exciting. The anticipation of the show mixed with the aura of the traditional surroundings was surreal but somehow it really worked.

Opening with a show stopping floral embellished Maxi dress, the collection set the standard and guaranteed to have pleased avid maxi dress flag-wavers (myself included). As the model sashayed down the catwalk, you could see the craftsmanship of the gown - the length was perfect and the bust was carefree and draped down towards the models neckline making her look flawlessly elegant. I must see more…

Next up was a complete reverse of the first piece with an ultra mini dress with asymmetrical detailing and a plaited belt which hung on the model's hips creating an hourglass silhouette. The colours were bold with vibrant hues of fuchsia, purple and acid yellow - it was clear that being sexy, sassy and playful is the forefront message as this dress embodied these perfectly.

The romper suit was up next having been resurrected from our mothers moth ridden 70's closet but this was no piece to be greeted with uncertainty. The romper suit has been given a 2007 makeover and with it being smothered in a flamboyant floral print, Georgie W gave it a well needed contemporary twist. This would be the perfect outfit to wear at a warm summer garden party as you would not have to worry about someone wearing the same outfit as you (proliferation of the same ensemble being the scourge of any fashionista).

Inspiration of this collection is said to be St.Tropez meets South Beach circa 1960, so think in-your-face colour, bronzed skin and beautiful bodies. The colour palette of this theme definitely complies with the collection in terms of vibrancy which opens your eyes and your senses. One could easily envisage myself wearing these on a sun drenched beach somewhere as enchanting as St.Tropez. However, the silhouette of the styles definitely were not caught up in 1960, but bang on trend for summer 2007 with a hint of old school glamour, romance, femininity yet with a splash of sexuality, frivolity and playfulness.

Electro luxe ran parallel throughout the show also, in the form of basic pieces in acid colours, which were contrasted against muted hues of deep fuchsia and purples in luxe fabrics.

There were elements of some pieces being influenced by the beauty of the Athens with Grecian inspired draped tops and dresses which were casually loose fitting and brought a new feel of elegance and status to the collection. However, before long the continuous self assured attitude crept back into the spotlight with daring yet sumptuous backless dresses adorned with Swarovski diamonds no less. Followed by a yellow gold chain detailed dress which not only adheres to the must-have colour of this season but it is affordable red carpet glamour without having to re-mortgage your house. The final piece which was intricately covered in (again) Swarovski crystals was an absolute show stopper. As the model strut her stuff down the catwalk, the shine of the crystals reflected into the audience and to their pure delight, the model did a quick hip swing which lit up the room making many a women dribble.

I felt that this collection had the same youthful appeal which was also apparent in the previous Gucci, Mui Mui and Jonathan Saunders S/S 07 shows. Show stopping key pieces, the cut and silhouettes of the pieces were similarly daring yet bountiful and variation which means that it has a wider appeal - theorising the fact that you really can have it all.

This collection will no doubt heighten the designer's reputation amongst fashion lovers alike and is guaranteed to make them swoop like falcons to get a piece of it. Unsurprisingly, the show ended with huge applauds and then off I was backstage to see how the designer herself felt the show went.

The backstage area was heaving with excitement, half naked gorgeous models provided by Envy Model Management and lots of champagne. Impressed spectators were clambering over themselves to find out more about Georgie W. I managed to grab an exclusive interview and this is what happened…

Interview with Designer Georgette Williams by Kyrsty Jade Hazell

Website: www.georgiewcouture.com / www.myspace.com/georgiewcouture / www.houseofgeorgie.co.uk

SHOW/EVENT GALLERY