I was wondering if I had been too harsh about the A La Mode catwalk, and looking back the designs were not terrible, some where in fact quite interesting, but they just didn't compare to the professionalism of the equally youthful (in fact actually younger) designers showcasing their work on the
On/Off stage, who's work was of such a high standard of craftsmanship and with such flowing and intricate designs, the A La Mode designs seemed in comparison too simple and badly fitted with lower quality materials used. Anyway with that out of the way....here's what I thought of On/Off
On/Off launched in 2007 to showcase and introduce emerging and pioneering designers and giving them exposure on a UK and International stage. This show featured four progressive designers who had been carefully selected by On/Offs Fashion director Claire Ginzler and included
Joanna Vanderpuije,
Michela Carraro,
Prose Studio and
Yang Du. This event was sponsored by clothing at Tesco's and to celebrate the partnership each designer had been given the chance to design a one off piece of clothing for Tesco's, which were on display in the reception area, and despite them being under the tesco's label, they were all stunning. While waiting for the catwalk reception too open, On/Off had taken over a floor to use as an exhibition area for all the designers that would be involved with their catwalk over the week, it was a great opportunity to walk around at see the collections. Once the reception, invite only area was open you were welcomed with champagne and buzzing room full of young fashionable people, one man stood out too me....he had white trousers and Yacht shoes with a fly blue mac that was buttoned up with a tied belt, he was just so dapper. As well as the tesco one-off designs, also on display was some fashion short films projected to the walls, unlike a lot of events this one ran pretty smoothly and on time.
Prose Studio Designs
After taking my seat the show started within 5 minutes with Prose Studios taking stage first. Prose studios is a design duo - Sabine Egler and Miriam Lehle who describe their vision in women's wear as pure aesthetic language. Earlier this year they presented their first collection at Rendez-vous femme in Paris. Their designs were free and flowing, interesting prints with a small hint of an African animal theme and wonderful use of colour. The fabrics were soft and just seemed to fall in place, showing off the female form without clinging to it.
Michela Carraro Designs
The next designer was the Italian born but London based Michela Carraro, who graduated from London College of Fashion in 2007. She had capsule collection exhibited at the Milan Fashion Centre during September 2008 Milan Fashion Week and she has worked with high profile designers such as Alexander McQueen and Danielle Scutt. Her collection comprised of draped dresses and billowing blouses with a feeling of greco style and layering effects. Mainly using pastel colours combined with the beautiful and intricate shoulder details, her designs are like works of Art, really stunning.
Joanne Vanderpuije designs
Next up was the fashion and textiles designer Joanne Vanderpuije, who like Michela has also worked with Alexander McQueen and most recently designed prints for Diane Von Furstenberg in New York. Her designs where filled with sharp edges and angular lines combined with her graphic hand drawn screen prints to create a fresh and exciting collection. I loved her perspex snowflakes sowed onto a skirt that just created that extra dimension that cannot help but catch your eye.
Yang Du Designs
The last designer of the day was Yang Du from China who had recently graduated with an MA in Fashion design from St Martins. she has assisted high profile designers including Vivienne Westwood and Giles Deacon and was awarded the St Martins prestigious Colin Bornes Drawing Prize in 2008. Out of all the designs hers where probably the boldest and most risky, with bright colours and animal cartoon like faces printed on many of the garments. One of the things that stood out for me where the knitted blue bunny ears. the interesting backpack and the bat jumper. It really was a feast for the eyes and you couldn't look away whether you liked it or not.
Overall the On/Off "Ones to Watch" was a great event, showcasing four very talented designers, whose work was off the highest standard. The music was mixed very well and everything appeared to run very smoothly....I left very impressed.
