LC:M Katie Eary AW15

Katie Eary, Royal-College-of-Arts-graduate-turned-high-fashion-designer, describes her trademark as “glamorous street wear”. Street couture is very much at the heart of all her collections. This season, however, the pieces seemed to drift away from her signature style and focus more on modern art.

With inspiration taken from the likes of KAWS, Jeff Koons and Jenny Saville (who you probably know most for those striking paintings of nude women pressed against glass), it is easy to see how the collection took shape. For me, the KAWS (A.K.A Brian Donnelly) reference is particularly prominent through the use of brightly coloured fabrics and adventurous design that embraces the urban/graffiti art aspect of KAWS’ work.Jeff Koons’ balloon-animal-esque sculptures and the anatomical aspect of Saville’s works were reflected in the intricate hats shaped like human brain and the recurring ribcage and brain appliqué graphics on garments in the AW15 collection. The hats—in particular—stood out for me as they were so very elaborate and quirky that they might even have the likes of Pharrell Williams and Jamiroquai’s JK quaking in their metaphorical boots.Bright  and daring colours have been very popular this season at LCM, which is somewhat unexpected. Traditionally, menswear centres around very dark tones, such as, navy, grey and burgundy, so it’s wonderfully refreshing to see more vibrant and eccentric designs on the catwalk for this autumn/winter. To quote the blue and red haired designer herself, “I work in colour and I hoped there’d be some vibrancy that I could bring back here. I’ve gone for teals, aubergine purples, [and] bright oranges…”, so if you’re looking for an I-want-to-blend-in wardrobe, then it may be that Katie Eary isn’t quite for you. But if you’re open to experimentation, then this is a fantastic fauvist feast that’s ideal for brightening up the colder months.

(Written by me for House of Papillon Magazine | Image from Dazed).