Fashion International is always a great opportunity to see a range of influences, styles and talent smushed back-to-back in one show. For this season, nine international and emerging designers showcased their SS/18 collections in the Amba Hotel, Charing Cross and with a very glam FROW including the likes of a glitzy Sarah Harding, the pressure was on to impress.
Omar Mansoor
With evening wear for authentic and confident women, Mansoor’s flowy long and knee-length dresses with belted waistlines portray a vision of ‘Imperial Romance’ in different shades of beige, to represent peace.
Bernhard Dyne & Anna Gilder
Inspired by Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, Dyne’s ‘VRONSKY’ collection celebrates the romanticism of Imperial Russia. Burgundy with flushes of gold runs throughout the collection, symbolising Karenina’s hidden passions, with lace with 3D flowers, embroidery, silk and sheer panelling used to create ultra feminine looks.
All this is topped off with quirky headpieces in silk, taffeta, rich velvets and heavenly exotic feathers from milliner Anna Gilder, to reflect the grandeur of high society.
Yuvna Kim
Twinkling embellishments, figure-hugging shapes, empire waistlines and intricate art-deco beading reflects a love for vintage couture in the Le Jardin D’Eve collection. Inspired by the delicate, enchanting, yet untamed beauty of nature, 1920’s tupe dresses scream glamour with deep plunge V-necklines, shimmering fabrics and a sultry backless look.
Samaira Ghani
Fine materials embellished with hand embroidery, sequins, Swarovski crystals and precious gemstones add a delicately powerful feel to the SS18 collection, named ‘Lumiere’. This is emphasised by the colour palette of coral, powder blue, black, white and pink to create a feminine line featuring handicraft pieces that vary from street style to haute couture.
Irshaad
In a varied colour palette of pinks, greys, greens, oranges, whites blacks and reds, Irshaad’s collection is a multipurpose representation of Eastern and Western cultures for women of all ages. High necks, statement waistbands and unusual sleeves are the cornerstone of the designs, with light and pastel colours creating the feel of softness and bold colours showing confidence whilst remaining elegant.
Amishi London
A catwalk dedicated to kaftans, the ‘A by Amishi’ Summer 2018 collection showcases a luxurious but affordable array of designs, all inspired by nature. With sparkling V neck embellishments, fun colours and prints, that’s your sexy, feminine beachwear inspo sorted.
Akani
Patterns and colour dominate the 1960’s inspired theme, with those pastel blues, oranges and reds cutting a conservative look alongside the traditional silhouettes. In stark contrast, a full-length silver sequinned dress provides a dramatic end to the sophisticated and elegant collection.
Mia by Mia Vickery
Sandy earth tones tie together the ‘Knots and Ties’ collection, which takes its inspiration from the natural form of the body and its freedom of movement. Designed to fall onto the natural body shape, each outfit includes a knot or tie with contrast coloured stitching on hemlines and sleeves, to round off the flowing, understated looks.
By Holly Earp.
