LFW – Mary Katrantzou S/S 2014 collection

Bold prints, bright colours and shoes were the key themes on the catwalk yesterday, as Mary Katrantzou showcased her spring/summer 2014 collection at The Grand Room, 1 Great George Street, for London Fashion Week.

The Greek fashion designer has stuck to what she knows best for her new collection, with the frequent use of bold graphic prints as well as a host of bright colours. It was therefore fitting that the show finale saw models walk to The Rolling Stone’s She’s Like A Rainbow.

Unlike Katrantzou’s autumn/winter 2013 collection, which uncharacteristically saw the designer’s collection dominated by monochrome and dark shadowy greys, inspired by 20^th-century black and white photography, Katrantzou’s spring/summer 2014 is bright, bold and refreshing. The combination of floral patterns, neon colours, ruffles, rhinestones, Swarovski crystals, faux leather, lace and ribbons created maximum impact pieces, that are sure to get the fashion world talking.

Katrantzou is known to create luxurious thematic collections, based on pieces of art, objects or design sculptures. This season is no different, with Katrantzou basing her new collection on footwear.

The brogue, the trainer and evening slipper have been reinvented by Katrantzou, but not as how you may expect. The designs of the shoes have been reimagined into clothing pieces, ranging from cocktail dresses to chic suits.

Whilst silk dresses featuring enlarged prints of leather brogues, and suits covered head-to-toe with deconstructed trainers’ prints definitely make a statement, it was the evening slipper-inspired pieces that stole the show. Bold pink, purple, green and blue printed and embroidered floral designs featured on lampshade style dresses, covered with intricate crystal, pearl and sequin embellishments, perfectly reflecting the femininity of the decadent evening slipper.

There is no doubt about it that Katrantzou has stepped up her game once more, with her fantasy, shoe fetish-inspired spring/summer 2014 collection. Katrantzou has bounced back from last season’s collection, which received mixed reviews, showcasing a collection full of imagination and spectacle.

 

Victoria Beckett