Peacocks & Ladies
14-03-2011
A La Mode’s London Fashion Week Showcase, which took place at the Charing Cross Hotel February 18th & 19th, opened with seven original international designers.
Anna Stretton all the way from New Zealand kick-started the Friday show with floral dresses full of ruffles, patterns and girly attitude; followed by Berit New York’s modern day medieval outfits and Rajadano’s colourful ostrich skin handbags and sweeping velvet scarves.
Up next was US Trendy winner RumpleMunkeh with a peacock collection, Majinjoo’s larger than life knitwear, Rehmali’s sleek garments, and to finish Australian designer Critina Nitopi’s chained dresses.
Each designer differed to the last, exhibiting their own signature look, with RumpleMunkeh and Rehmali as definite highlights.
RumpleMunkeh, an LA based label launched by 34-year-old designer Rochelle Carino, blended peacock prints, feathers, and colours with a vintage Hollywood style. From eye makeup to the dramatic yet contemporary outfits, the models were transformed by the bird’s radiance. The bright blues, greens, and light purples projected all its pride and splendour. With glistening sequins, tassels and seducing feathers as embellishments, a femme fatale emerged.
Corino always wanted to design (admiring Alexander Macqueen, John Galliano, and Stella McCartney) but didn’t start pursuing her dream until last year. Having put together this fabulous collection in under a month, her talent and drive are evident. She hits all the right notes, taking her peacock inspiration to a fun and glamorous level. The collection flowed smoothly and was positively eye-catching; doing justice not only to the sensuous female species but equally to one of nature’s most captivating birds.
Rehmali was another to woo the audience. Presenting a fresh and stylish collection with tasteful designs cut from an array of fabrics and matched with leather handbags. Feminine outfits with a modern edge glided into the spotlights.
The label is the brainchild of Birmingham based designer Marina Rehmali, who went from accountancy to catwalks and hasn’t looked back. The 27 year-old has undoubtedly found her forte, creating garments for women to feel supreme. Asked of the inspiration behind the magic, she states:
“I look to the everyday woman, real people in the streets going about their business, and think of ways to transform them.”
Her passion for bringing the lady out of the ordinary is clear and strong:
“There aren’t ugly women, only lazy ones. Every girl should own the way she looks, go get her hair and nails done and show off her beauty.”
In her own words she is a “realist” determined to ensure women don’t shy away or give up on their looks but embrace what they have and make “a powerful statement”.
