So Fashion Week has landed. Our twice-a-year foray into the world of seasonal delights, this time Spring Summer 2011. The PRs have run around like headless fashion-chicks for weeks in preparation, the designers, having finalised this season's collections last season, are making final adjustments, probably breathing deep in a quiet, cold, dark room, gathering thoughts and the like, and us - the mere mortals - are gearing up to witness some AMAZE catwalk shows! As Starbucks doubles their profit in this one week, and Addison Lee get more calls than ever, we're all brimming with excitement to catch the latest trends from the most fabulous designers.
Here's the start of my Fashion Week coverage. Hope you enjoy!
I'm starting off with a designer that is new to my vocabulary. Thanks to my stylist friend, Stevie B, I was introduced to the world of Bunmi Koko. Just briefly, Bunmi Olaye, the designer, was born in Nigeria and came to the UK to study. She met her partner, Francis Udom, in Scotland and the rest is history as they say. Bunmi's name means 'God gave me' and Koko, the nickname given to her by Francis, means 'my other half' - Bunmi Koko - 'God gave me my other half'.
Bunmi Koko's SS11 collection was all about power dressing. The show notes state that 'Matriarchy' (the name of the collection): "Sets the scene for a collection celebrating female empowerment and domination with a feeling of escapism and culture fusions between Nigeria and Great Britain." Big, pointed shoulders, statement trouser suits and above-the-knee dresses all made appearances in bold, strong prints and colours - all adding to the cultural mix of fashion and region.
Fringing made me happy, peplum details enticed me in further and the River Island shoes bought every look together perfectly. I spoke with Bunmi after the show, who told me that, like me, the red trouser suit was her favourite piece of the collection. She also told me that she loved designing for a powerful woman and that she is deeply interested in bringing different cultures together using fashion. And you can tell!
Take a look at these pics and the little film I took. I bet you'll love it as much as I do!
