Designer Diary: Melt London – Mamma Mia

 

I know the Russians have invaded their beaches but surely not their fashion houses as well?

And the Italian women, once so naturally chic and sensual, are now very scary indeed. Their extremely pumped up collagen lips, tightly stapled faces and stand alone fake breasts, are surely more a pastiche of Donald Duck than a nod to Sophia Loren.

But I guess the clothes are designed to fit the customer, be she a visiting Russian “lady” or desperate Italian housewife.

For those of us looking for inspired shapes and beautiful colours, the shops could only offer disappointment.

As in London, designer names are huge, chains are taking over the streets, and small independent boutiques are fast disappearing.

Black is absolutely the new black, heels are skyscraper high, and pointed toes are sharp enough to be offensive weapons. Simply add studs, shine and zips for the perfect Barbie goes to war collections.

 

 

In terms of inspiration for our winter 08 collection at Melt London it was sadly a non-starter. In fact the weekly outdoor market was more exciting, with its designer rip offs, up-to-date leather, fur, cashmere, and Prada cabbage. In addition the pavements spread with this season’s hot-off-the press counterfeit handbags, made a complete winter look possible for under 150 euros.

 Cosmetic surgery aside, the Italians do still have a natural style and attitude that fascinates a British onlooker.

It’s spelt out in the way they can cycle, text and window shop in one motion, without even the tiniest wobble. It’s there in the expansive hand movements that punctuate their fast flowing conversation. It’s obvious in their speedy appraisal of your potential wealth limit as you enter a shop……two seconds is all it takes for either a welcome or total dismissal. And it’s heard in the smiling bon journo that greets you in the morning, accompanied by a steaming café latte macchiato.

 

 

 

So I can forgive the fashion bordering on the fetish and admire the huge bank balances of the plastic surgeons, whilst still appreciating and desiring a slice of their innate style. Meanwhile the search for inspiration goes on………………next week in Paris.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Susan Royston

susan@meltlondon.co.uk

 

 

Creative Director of Melt London