London Fashion Week: Ada Zanditon AW12

When one thinks of a fashion show, it’s not often you envision a surreal gothic fantasy that at once explores the relationship between mankind and primates whilst simultaneously unearthing the negativity associated with Western mineral mining. Queue Ada Zanditon, ethical extraordinaire and provider of a bloody good LFW film.

After catching Ada’s presentation last year I was keen to snap up a ticket to the AW12 Simia Mineralis showing. First confronted with metallic clad aliens in September, this time I’m stood next to a medieval looking maiden. Casual.

Spooky, loud and downright creepy, the presentation was both imaginative and captivating, showcasing the latest collection in a way that is truly unique. Back once more are Ada’s signature strong silhouettes, emphasised by dramatic halloween lighting and corridor shots. Dramatic floor length red eveningwear is the outfit du jour in this fantastical nightmare, introducing a perfectly tailored purple shawl to warm the heroine in her hour of needs. Fluid lines and opposing fabrics adorn a striking model that could be taken straight from a J D Waterhouse (a personal favourite if you couldn’t tell) painting.

It could be easy to forget the clothing amongst the flashes of a Green Man and haunting cries but as the camera pans towards a London street, we’re reminded of the wearability of the collection as it translates from fantasy to reality in an instant. Well, its all wearable in my reality anyway. With a medieval dinner party to attend tonight, I really could have done with some inspiration sooner. Next time, Ada, next time.

Until the next....
C.x

London Fashion Week 2011: Ada Zanditon

Disclaimer: All pictures are my own and to be creditted if re-used

Dubbed the greenest rising star at A/W11 fashion week back in February, eco warrior Ada Zanditon is back once again to impress with her signature geometrically sculptured and innovative designs.

Studying at the London College of Fashion and previously working for Gareth Pugh, Jonathan Saunders and Alexander McQueen, Zanditon has all the fashion credentials to impress even the most purist of audiences. In an industry where ethical clothing can often hold bland connotations, Ada revolutionises the term to create dynamic designs embodying the most unusual of inspirations.

In an unexpected twist, the show begins in the queue as two out-of-this-world inspired models parade the corridor. An amalgamation of monochrome curves and spherical layers, the two girls glide past onlookers sporting flushes of almost alien metallics to compliment the cosmic, double-layered crown poised on their heads at precarious angles. They're a vision of surrealist calm amongst the hustle of press going in and out of doors, stopping in confusion at the ethereal creatures passing them by.

Previously revealing her SS12 influences as “Seahorses, Greek goddesses and Haiti Kanaval.”, the seemingly abstract become all the more clear as Ada unleashes a screening of a film inspired by her collection, “Poseisus”. Created in collaboration with film makers Andrew and William Ho, the film depicts the heroine, Poseisus, transposed through the urban landscape. Moving from flashes of monochrome, the maiden explores the vibrant urban ocean as her elegant movements and sinuous sheer fabrics reflect the ebb and flow of the tide.

Transposing from citrus oranges to piercing blues, pinks and purples, the striking, other worldly visage as seen on the physical models just prior to the show adds a touch of elegant mythicality to focal character. Simply put, I am in love. The film captured the attention within an instant and held the audience, and myself, captivated until the last frame.

Short but sweet, Ada’s collection most definitely did not disappoint.



Doing the Rounds: Prepping for London Fashion Week 2011

As the sun finally rears its head and the tail-end of Katrina apparently subsides for the time being, I've been busily gearing up for London Fashion Week and to say I’m a little excitable about the days ahead could be somewhat of an understatement.


For those of you who don’t know, I’ll be blogging on behalf of Who’s Jack Magazine  to provide daily coverage for some of the big name fashion moguls and, more importantly, giving exposure to some of the finest as-yet-unknown designers the industry has to offer. And as the weekend schedule arrived in my inbox this morning, let’s just say the day was off to a good start as I can now look forward to situating myself at the shows of some dynamic and unusual bright stars set to make their mark in the coming months. I’ll also be running a behind the scenes blog, snitching on my fellow man on any interesting garble that comes from their autumn plum coated mouths. At the initial Jack meeting, the team were issued strict, but I think you’ll agree, fair, instructions not to overdo it on the free champagne cocktails and then vomit on Henry Holland. However, always to be an exception to the rule, I am allowed such a privilege (Don’t tell Henry) as long as I take a high definition photograph and write down the details of the fiasco as ‘gossip’. They say all press is good press but I can’t see that doing me any favours....

With just two days to go, let me share a few details of my whereabouts for the weekend. I’ll be sat, camera in hand and scribbling into my notebook for John Rocha on Saturday but here’s a few other main schedule events that have really got me on the edge of my seat to be on the edge of my (not quite front row) seat:

 ADA ZANDITON: Friday 3.15pm Somerset House

Citing her SS12 inspirations as “Seahorses, Greek goddesses and Haiti Kanaval.”, it’s easy to see why I’m more than a little curious at what Ada has to offer. Having previously worked for Alexander McQueen, Jonathan Saunders and Gareth Pugh before setting up her own label, its probably a fair assumption that her ethical and sustainable designs will be undoubtedly intelligent and inspired as she uses her own unique illustrations to create individual and distinctive ready to wear pieces.
Judging by her AW11 collection 'The Cryoflux', there is to be no skimping on the visuals either as the makeup speaks as loudly as the clothing to reflect the collection’s core concepts. With last season’s ghostly countenance echoing the cold-as-ice palette, what am I expecting this time round? Well, if seahorses are anything to go by then I’m hoping for metallics, ocean blues and the occasional crustacean to boot. However, to second guess such a bold new designer would be futile which is exactly why i’m so eager to find out for myself.

Images courtesy of LFW


ASHISH: Saturday 11.00am Somerset House
The current guest style editor for ASOS online and fellow lover of all things sequined, flamboyant London based Ashish Gupta is sure to brighten up my no doubt over cast Saturday. And despite his SS11 collection providing an amalgamation of cowboys and Indians via a southern California pit stop, his 2012 ensemble is set to take a more enchanting approach as he seeks to channel holiday romances and far off places. Ashish is a brand that doesn’t take itself too seriously but thats not to say that we should take it lightly. Debuting his first collection in 2001, this year marks a decade for Ashish at fashion week and i’m sure the spectators will not be disappointed at his celebration.

Images Courtesy of CatWalking

CRAIG LAWRENCE: Saturday 1.00pm Somerset house

Hailing from my neck of the woods, or near enough for me to at least feel a geographical connection, is Craig Lawrence who’s twitter description simply reads: “I knit lots of things.” And that he unmistakably does as his collections involve a curious process of knitting with unconventional materials to create voluminous, fluffy and shiny knitwear. And I’m talking the kind of knitwear that Tilda Swindon effortlessly drapes herself in for editorials, not the dodgy jumper you received from Granny at Christmas – though for some trendy London and, more noticeably for me, Leeds, types they’re probably on a style par. The reason am I so excited for this gentleman’s work may also have something  to do with the following two words: knitted crystal. Oh yes, Craig’s most recent accolade is his new season’s sponsor, Swarovski.

Image courtesy of ID
After being papped for Glossy Box UK at last week’s Vogue Fashion Night Out, I was crowned the ‘stylish winner’ of their street style competition and will now receive a year’s subscription to their monthly beauty boxes. However, as it stands, my outfit choices for the week ahead are non existent. However, you can probably expect to see my bowler hat make an appearance at some point along with my electric blue heels. Not exactly on trend but they’re a bit of fun amongst the sea of simplistic blouses and shift dresses. Then again, I’ve heard stories from the Jack team about a girl who turned up dressed to the nines and walking 6 Chihuahuas around the square in the hope of being photographed so simplicity is not to be sniffed at. There will also be a street style blog on the go along side the day’s most notable trend and even a food diary so be sure to keep an eye out on Who's Jack and be sure to follow me @littlemyth

Until Friday...