London Fashion Week: Belle Sauvage

Cult cool, design duo Virginia Ferreira and Chris Neuman never fail to cause a stir. However this season they have steered away from their archetypal East London look, citing their muse as the refined “Parisian woman”. The show notes told a tale of an “Iconic Parisian woman during the devastation of WWI” although it was immediately apparent that their vision was not one of a victim.

Visual highlights included effortlessly draped and free-flowing shapes which bellowed in their models wake with the floor length capes signifying the collections unchained and perhaps even superhuman aura. Extravagant textiles, such as silk duchesse, bias cut satin, light chiffon and napa leather were used skilfully, suggesting contemporary sophistication and giving further fluidity to this night creatures silhouette.

Grandeur was apparent in a precious array of colours, from ruby red to regal gold, with jet black running as a base throughout. Finer details included; height giving pillar box style hats from Awon Golding Millinery, pearl chains and alluring seam back hosiery. Posing a nod towards the brands more playful side, the knitwear carried animated designs such as larger than life jaws and even cute kittens. Referencing the WWI theme, fabrics told of a female meets military narrative. Lipsticks were lined as bullets and gold chains were strapped and swagged on the wearer.

Designed for the night air, Belle Sauvage’s Autumn / Winter 2014-2015 collection welcomes nocturnal escapism and is bound to ignite any underlying anamorphic instincts.

Keziah Brown

Belle Sauvage appeared at London Fashion Week Saturday 15 February.

Credits
1. Belle Sauvage, Autumn / Winter 2014-2015.