By Susannah Spring

The ‘A La Mode’ International LFW Catwalk Show, held at the exquisite Charing Cross Hotel, February 19th, showcased seven international independent designers’ unique collections. It was positively a treat.

First up was the German label Mila Miyahara’s modern, simple and youthful collection named “She knows how to live”. Co-designers Nadine Miyahara and Eva Lotte Brüdersdorf launched the label in 2009, opening their first shop in Berlin that April. Taking inspiration from modern art and architechture, their collection incorporates silky coulourful pieces with classy black and grey tailored outfits. Overall a smart, wearable and contemporary look.

The London designer Hanako Narahira followed with an array of knitted tops and dresses matched with double coloured tights and bright leggins. Thick wollen knotted and entangled webs hung from torsos giving a powerful edge to the designs. The full chunky knitted dresses with twining rope produced a striking visual impact projecting a mixed message of strong assertiveness and chained entrapment. Nrahira certainly breaths life into knitwear.

Dilly Daisy, a Canadian label based in Windsor, Ontario, brought cute girliness to the show with garments inspired by the late 60’s and 70’s. Dee-Dee Shkreli began the fun, retro label four years ago and has since showcased at Toronto Alternative Fashion Week and won international Us Trendy design which sponsored her for this show. The eye catching prints, puffy sleeves, frilly hems and faltering necklines shape an altogether vibrant pretty collection.

The beautiful fascinators and hats by Australian milliner Estelle Annabel were next in the spotlight. Each headpiece differed from the last - from nets and bows to ruffles and feathers. The full effect of these creations was highlighted by first combining them with simple black dresses. Their value and importance in transforming outfits is indisputable. They present finesse, sophistication and glamour.

“(in)visible”, a collection by the Slovenian label niOka launched by designer Nika Ravnik, took to the catwalk with alluring spirit. Using the abstract concept of invisible physical and emotional scares, this range breaks away from the traditional feminine look. Although grown from a sombre note, negative merges with positive. In avoiding the colour black, others such as purple, bronze and navy blue overtake to bring “a warm feeling”. Working in a looser style, manipulating the shape and function of the garments and using her own digitally printed fabric, Ravnik’s work is distinctly original.

The tasteful Chrystal Sloane garments, inspired by the chic 1940’s fashions, proceeded. Displaying flattering ensembles and graceful eveningwear paired with stylish long gloves and faux fur jackets and stoles. Ngaire Lynch from New Zealand is the brain (and hands) behind the brand. Passionate about fashion since the age of seven, now 54, with Air New Zealand as sponsor, she is unveiling the Chrystal Sloane trademark internationally: “It is a dream come true to represent my country” said Lynch.

The finale delivered all the grandeur and drama of Rome. Boris Powell, a Chicago designer, gave us “The Rise of the Empress” a collection where “beauty and power takes stage”. Strict black dresses progressed to lighter floating robes; a transition demonstrating the Empress “becoming her very own”. The rich golden, green and purple silks sealed the royal emblem. Providing elegance in style, presence in sweeping gowns, and majesty in colour and texture, Powell successfully closed the show with theatrical vigour.

By Susannah Spring