The high street hits back

This summer, Britain’s high street’s saw the backlash against the current economy crisis as it paraded what it had to offer down its very own Croydon catwalk. The nine-day series of fashion fun featured a variety of catwalk shows from recycled fashion to an Apsara Arts Bollywood Show. The week also consisted of an assortment of stylish workshops and fashion and beauty demonstrations inviting members of the public to partake.

In this dazzling high street affair, it was clear that fashion retailers such as Marks and Spencer, Monsoon, River Island, Clarks and many others wished to prove that they could do it just as well as the top end designers.
The Whitgift Summer Fashion Show did just that as they presented Croydon with an alluring array of Neon Brights from Marks and Spencer, a glorious Indian Summer from Monsoon as well as showcasing how to avoid those fashion faux-pas with their rendition of Glasto Glam.

What is clear from events like these is that the great British high street is certainly not going to sit back and watch itself fall victim to the credit crunch. Instead fashion retailers are fighting back in an effort to regain poll position as one of the main areas that the public spend their money. With many up market retailers now designing for the high street such as Roksanda Illincic for Whistles and more recently Matthew Williams for H & M the high street certainly is not taking that curtain call yet.

Undercover at the Fashion and Textile Museum

Last Saturday evening, a crowd gathered inside the precocious pink Fashion and Textile Museum to see; ‘Undercover: An Evolution of Underwear’. The museum’s latest exhibition showcases famous undergarments from the likes of Twiggy and Dita Von Teese, as well as offering a daring trajectory of the historical background from a range of underwear from corsets to suspenders, and bras to knickers.

On this particular night, an extra zest of theatre had been injected into the exhibition. As part of the London Bridge festivities, creative events company; ‘I Think I’m Here Darling Where Are You?’ had organised an extravagant, yet bizarre evening of performance for the crowds. From poetry to nearly-nude life drawing classes, there was a variety of entertainment at hand. The night’s finale even consisted of leather-clad models crudely parading through the exhibition itself, resulting in a rather risqué display of raunch and frivolity. Despite the evening having a vibrant and lively atmosphere, it was clear that this seedy spectacle pushed boundaries beyond the audience’s limits. The event quickly became a crude exhibition of nudity opposed to a presentation of the delicate undergarments that were supposed to be on display.

Yet beneath this melodrama, ‘Undercover’ is a playful exhibition; delving deep into the social and historical contexts of undergarments that are readily overlooked. Both informative and enjoyable to discover, this is a delightful exhibition featuring an array of designers from La Perla to Wonderbra. Perhaps the only aspect missing from the exhibition is the exploration of men’s undergarments, which would have added an extra layer to this already insightful showcase. Overall, the exhibition should certainly be visited if you happen to be wondering down Bermondsey Street and come across the pink beacon that is Zandra Rhode’s Fashion and Textile Museum.

Couture Candy

This week has seen the glorious world of couture come down on Paris in magnificent style. All of our fashion favourites from Dior and Chanel to Valentino and Jean Paul Gaultier were witnessed down the catwalks of Paris in stunning couture designs.

One of my favourites has to be Valentino with his inspiring use of netting to create sculptured head pieces. These millinery designs were often jewelled but still made the models appear mysteriously masked. Many of the Valentino garments also resembled corsets or lingerie adding to the sensuous nature of the collection.



Christian Dior also focused on undergarments in their 'undressed' collection which featured models stomping down the catwalk in silky blouses and laced lingerie. Iconic looks were also created using giant millinery styles and floral embroidery and were used throughout the collection.



Chanel carried a collection of prodominantly black gothic-inspired garments. However they did incoporate their signature tweed into the line with a series of tweed skirt-suits. My favourite of the Chanel collection was this gorgeous dress.



I just love the rouching as well as the hint of nude pink seperated with shocks of black which give the dress an extra edge.

However, sad times were met with the Christian Lacroix catwalk show. The designer spoke out that his collection was compiled through people offering up their services and materials for free following Lacroix's announcement of bankruptsy. The collection was still on top form with an imperial theme of splendour, thus creating a deceptive forefront to Lacroix's current state of affairs. My favourite Lacroix piece has to be this resplendent bride who is decorated from head to toe in finery.



Image Sources: Telegraph, Courtorture