Complex Simplicity

Untold returned on 22 February 2010 with their sixth fashion show delivering another season of rising designers.  Structured jackets from Gevorgian, innovative menswear designs by Ma:LE and Desiderata, lingerie by Pia Love, beautiful dresses by Lana Luk,  bright coloured separates from Chrissiefizz Designs and a few gems made from ethically sourced, reclaimed and eco friendly fabrics by Mononoko .

My favourite pieces are from Bestow Elan and Chichia London. The former offers pieces that are effortless and chic, while the later showcases warm colours and prints that pay homage to East Africa.

I really liked the opener for Bestow Elan, a blue jersey dress I can only describe as complex-simplicity.  The overall effect of the cut-out detailing across the chest and left shoulder with the draping at the hem, allowed the dress to move comfortably against the model’s body, while subtly accentuating her shoulders and legs. Also, the blue tailored trousers with a cream (or was it a very pale yellow) blouse and the white tailored trousers with a black top made me want to reach for my purse.  Designer Erzumah Ackerson’s takes great care in framing the neck, collar bone and back creating a focal point worthy of a double-take.

Christine Mhando of Chichia London won me over with her use of vibrant colours and prints. Her signature blend of Khanga, a traditional East African printed cotton fabric, and modern shapes fall in line with catwalk trends for Spring/Summer ’10. The eye-catching beige and chocolate print dress with unexpected pops of blue, green and pink piping was fun and flirty. The closing look is a great example of mixing prints and colours effectively. At first glance one might be confused by the pairing, but somehow it works.  A word of caution, attempt to recreate this combination at your own risk; there’s a science to it!

One Response to “Complex Simplicity”

• Who made the back pack in the second video? It is gorgeous!

  Cheryl Burke says
  March 3, 2010 at 4:39 pm