Ella Dror PR – Press day Spring Summer 2012 Collections

The Swarovski Lounge was as pristine as expected, sign here said the lady behind the guest book stand and as I did I looked up to see the amazing riot of colours around me. The event was bold, bright and beautiful with jars of sweets lined alongside the bar area, each labelled with a designers name. People all around dressed in either smart fashionable attire or loud outrageous outfits. As I walked around the venue three designers’ collections engaged my interest. They were Mich Dulce, Piers Atkinson and Fred Butler.

Piers Atkinson

“..it is fair to say Atkinson has found his niche in extreme millinery.” – Emma Elwick-Bates, Vogue

Atkinson has an enormous amount of experience behind him and has worn almost as many hats as he has made. You will know him as an illustrator, artist, milliner, party organiser, fashion editor and now DJ.  Back in 2008 Piers launched his first collection, and since then he has created collections every season. His newest collection for S/S12 is an abundance of tropical dreams. Fantastical fascinators and head pieces in shades of parrot red, macaw blue, deep fuschia and jungle green mixed with neutral honey and ivory. Exotic beetles glistened as they sat atop straw berets and the image of rainforest sounds and a singing showgirl came to mind. Do not be fooled by the nature inspired designs as there is glitter in the air and a definite element of glamour. I imagine Katy Perry swinging from a vine in a tarzan costume and wearing one of these pieces on her head.

Fred Butler

Fred Butler graduated from The University of Brighton in 2003 and has since gained an enviable reputation in the fashion industry. Involved in countless projects and commissions for editorial, journalism and corporate clients, her expanding portfolio includes the likes of celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Beth Ditto and Bjork. Inspired by fluid movements, striking forms and extraordinary colours Butler’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection is a rainbow technicolour of madness. Her retro-esque plastic glasses are very high fashion and I am confident they will be a hit next summer, with high street versions under the spell of the green eyed monster. Aquatic creatures shedding their outer shell to reveal spectacular fluorescent bodies, is the image which comes to mind.

By Jennie May Thompson