Zema x Elysian collection presentation S/S 2016 for LFW

The Hungarian Embassy, a stone’s throw away from royal Buckingham Palace, played host to this combined, complimentary presentation; a fusion between Hungarian jewellery brand ZEMA and Budapest-based fashion label Elysian. The evening began with an introduction and reception to view the pieces, followed by an on-screen presentation for ZEMA’s latest collection and a fashion show displaying key archival Elysian gowns worn with ZEMA jewellery.

ZEMA showed a gorgeous collection of handmade porcelain earrings, necklaces and bracelets, each piece hand-painted and in either 21-carat gold or 24-carat platinum. The brand is named after the designer Erzsebet Papp’s children – Z for Zsofia, E for Eszter, M for Matthew and A symbolises the designer and her husband as mother and father.

This family-run business takes its cue from art movements, with past collections influenced by art deco, art nouveau, as well as traditional Hungarian motifs from kalocsa embroidery and matyo folk art. For Spring/Summer 2016, the label showed “Baroque Chic” in pastel shades and metallic gold hues. Speaking to Zsofia (the “Z” in Zema), I got such a sense of passion and love for the products, the bold turquoise shades on large circular intricately designed and cut earrings, china blue floral patterns on rings and necklaces and elegantly crafted stained glass marbling techniques were abundant.

These exquisite jewels worked perfectly in tandem with the gowns presented by Elysian. This is the first showcase of the Hungarian label at London Fashion Week. The label was launched three years ago by Boglarka Bodis; named as an ode to the Elysian Fields, a place in Greek mythology where Gods sent their heroes to rest. The long-flowing gowns in the finest sumptuous ivory, black and rust orange silks, with tulip cut and circular hemlines, and trains trailing elegantly behind these debutante, Hungarian princesses.

Fine spaghetti straps, open panelled backs and laser cut floral motifs decorated the models, with fine lace and embroidery on corset style tops. Bodis brought geometric, graphic lined cashmeres, silks and mohair in mustard yellow, rouge and burgundy, set on shades of grey, white and black, showing a selection from Autumn/Winter 2015 and a preview of Spring/Summer 2016. The full collection will be shown at Hungarian Fashion Week this October.

It is easy to see why Hungarian Victoria’s Secret model Barbara Palvin is already a big fan of this graceful and luxurious label, and we cannot wait to see Elysian’s latest Spring/Summer 2016 collection next month.

Victoria Geaney