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| Chandran successfully navigated the difficult task of fusing a multitude of styles and techniques to create a truly unique and stunning collection |
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| Bernard Chandran |
Despite the show space at the Freemasons' Hall being completely jam-packed, people were still queuing all the way down the street trying to get into the Bernard Chandran show. For those lucky enough to get in, the AW13 collection from the Malaysian designer didn't disappoint. In a welcome change from the collections dominated by blacks, greys and browns, Chandran's angular silhouettes came alive in gorgeous jewel tones, shimmering prints and delicate beading.
The audience was captivated from the moment the lights went down and the Whistle song from Kill Bill set the mood. It was a fast paced collection, with a lot going on; Chandran certainly showed what an accomplished designer he is. The collection moved from muted tones of navy blue and black, punctuated with bold splashes of orange, to shimmering, galaxy-esque prints, to graphic prints in chocolate brown and cream. The silhouettes also varied from the simple and traditional, to more angular, unusual and modern. Despite the variation in style, the overriding theme that came through was that this was a collection for those who want to make a statement - beautiful clothes for beautiful women.
Standout pieces for me were a metallic, knee length coat with a belted waist, the cropped jacket in a chocolate graphic print, an orange roll neck dress with beading on the skirt and a shimmering printed dress in blue and white. There was also a beautiful beaded black dress that appeared to have a cape attached to it that made for an unusual twist on the classic LBD.
Quite simply, Chandran successfully navigated the difficult task of fusing a multitude of styles and techniques to create a truly unique and stunning collection.
Copy by Sophie Hollins fashiontent's girl about town
Photography Michael Harvey for Fashiontent and LESDOIT
