Ong-Oaj Pairam catwalk show report S/S 2016 for LFW

Amidst the gilt surroundings of the Pompadour Room in London’s Hotel Café Royale, designer Ong-Oaj Pairam presented a stunningly colourful collection with all the zest for life that it deserved.

The Thai-British designer is well-known for his signature prints, soft tailoring and hand-embroidered finishing – and looking at today’s collection, it is easy to see why.

Out came the models, dressed in gently floating dresses in tropical hues, all paired with elegant heels with thick, neon ankle straps. Thrown over these were a selection of tailored jackets and trenches in shades of green and beige; the most stylish choice for a trip to the jungle.

Wide-legged trousers were paired with long, floating tops for an easy, laid-back look. A pair of straight-legged, turquoise blue trousers and a sharply tailored jacket, both patterned with white birds settled on stripes of branches, was a particular stand-out.

So too were the colourful finale dresses, sometimes rendered solidly in neon pinks and yellows, sometimes patterned with colourful florals or butterflies. In one case, a sheer neckline punctuated with appliqué butterflies created the effect of the dress coming alive, the winged insects floating around the shoulders.

A visually stunning collection, and one that, judging by the reaction from the audience, will be an instant hit.

Grace Cain
Photos: Erol Birsen