LFW – Felicities presents S/S 2013 collections

Monday night at the Portico show space in Somerset House gave the lovely Felicities team the opportunity to showcase some of the best emerging London talent. Seven designers were able to give a personal and intimate look into their Spring/Summer 2013 collections in a rather unique and interesting way.

White blocks holding an iPad had been set up for each designer in order for them to preview a video of their new collection. A model at each platform allowed designers to show one piece from their new line and give a personalised take on their work for guests.

Ada Zanditon’s S/S 13 collection focused on tigers. Creating sculptured ready to wear garments for a “warrior queen”, separates, dresses and tailored jackets all are key for next season. Taking inspiration from a distinct array of cultures and eras, Ada has created a fiery palette demonstrating her passion for the endangered species. Shape and structure design featured detailed research from the Imperial War Museum and focused on uniforms from the 1900s onwards.

Tramp in Disguise’s Sini Moilanen was a favourite of ours at the event. Sini, who is orginally from Finland, studied at the University of Brighton in order to enter the world of fashion. The label that is known for its bright prints and signature knitwear pieces is modern and unique, with an added dash of fun. The new collection titled Lost City takes inspiration from Atlantis, the legendary island that sank into the ocean in a day. The city itself was known for its naval power and is represented in the collection through bold Greek-style patterns. Carrying an ocean colour palette, beautiful greens and blues are used to represent the fascinating springboard for inspiration and were outlined with heavy black boarders for distinctive shape in the garments.

Central Saint Martins graduates Xsenia Runa and Olya Shishkina became the label duo Xsenia & Olya through a friendship starting at university. Known for their digital prints and geometric shapes, the look book for next season is a refreshing take on their signature designs. With each piece named after a place in the world, the pair has created an interesting take on dresses and blazers that create one whole flowing movement of fabric. Aquas, purples, yellows and pinks all create the palette for “Niagra Falls”, a stunning high necked maxi, to “Helsinki”, a sheer maxi coat; all of which you can imagine yourself floating in. All of the garments are perfect for the season.

Phannatiq, created by Anna Skodbo, had the opportunity to showcase their first collection at A/W 11 LFW. Taking a crazy route to where she is today, Anna, originally from Whitby, took herself to Oslo to study costume design. Now an established and unique designer, Anna uses “forgotten London” as a main influence in all of her work along with street art and textures. The S/S 13 collection has a classic Phannatiq feel to it, with signature hoods and distressed materials being used.

Beautiful Soul is everything that London Fashion Week is about. Based in Notting Hill, this beautifully British label blends timeless style with international appeal. Creating an adorable yet sophisticated look, Beautiful Soul are also known for their approach to helping the environment. The latest collection, Amanda Marie, is the definition of a spring colour palette. Magentas, navies and olives are complimented by white in a host of gorgeous dresses. Daisy prints and poppies are all delicately placed on stunning designs and British lace is used in many of the pieces for a truly patriotic look.

Evmorfia is a name we will undoubtedly be hearing a lot about in the future. With a history of working in Alexander McQueen design fashion house, Evmorfia Bethanis presented her new season collection that featured lace and fringing with confidence. Wanting to make a notion for women’s fashion, we can look forward to seeing interesting shapes and luxurious fabric choices in the upcoming months.

Having the opportunity to be so up close and personal with the designers gave an added sparkle to the Felicities event and we cannot wait to see what the rest of 2012 holds for such a talented collective.

Kellie Griffiths

Photos: Martin Evans