On/Off’s Stylish Spring/Summer 2008 Preview By Muchaneta Kapfunde
08-08-2007
{mosimage}On arrival to the West End venue, the CC club, I first noticed that a queue of fashion trendsetters had already formed. It was whilst, I was taking in the high-energy atmosphere at the back of the queue, that I noticed most of the attendee’s outfits resembled Matthew Williamson Spring/Summer 2007 collection. It made me realise that On/Off had certainly invited fashion’s movers and shakers who shockingly were quite happily queuing up without a fuss, which for me confirmed that I definitely had something to look forward too.
It was as I continued to mull over this thought that I felt a light tap on my arm and to my surprise it was On/Off official- Alison. She quickly whispered for me to follow her to the front of the queue, past the velvet rope and then with a swift discretion she branded my arm with a VIP sticker. Quickly looking back at the queue I just tottered past I felt no ounce of guilt as I entered what was clearly promising to be the must attend fashion event of the week.
{mosimage}Once inside and with a mojito in hand, I headed backstage to interview the featured 8 designers – Aman Coland, Peter Pilotto, Jerry Ribbon, Richard Sorger, Pyrus, Aminaka Wilmont, Hannah Marshall and Deryck Walker.
Deciding to talk first to the cool, calm and collected Hannah Marshall I was also introduced to her selected 5 showpieces. As I laid eyes on her work I must admit, it was awe at first sight. The talented graduate from Colchester School of Art- Class 2003- managed to combine leather against chiffon whilst using Braille detail. Her collection- Quiet Noise – consisted only of black materials that she managed to create into something dynamic and tasteful. As I felt the texture of what was to be my favourite piece I asked her which designers truly inspired her, and without hesitation she replied, “Lavine and Jil Sanderâ€, and then after a slight pause the talented designer, who was recently featured in British Vogue, added, “when it comes to details I think it is very important, and that one should not go overboard and add unnecessary fuss or frillâ€.
{mosimage}After chatting to a few more designers I was informed that the show was about to start so I swiftly exited the backstage. Finding a great standing spot- since no seating was available- and with a notepad and pen in hand I was ready to appreciate. The first model came out to the sound of loud electro pop type music, flashing lights and applause from the audience. In the 15-minute show the outfits ranged from romanticism loose fitting pieces to the fusion of different materials. It was easy for one to appreciate each designer’s statement, which was reflected in his or her pieces. As the show came to an end a deafening applause confirmed that On/Off catwalk preview was a definite success.
{mosimage}When the clapping died down, it seemed to mark the end of the On/Off Preview. Within 5 minutes of the last model having walked of the catwalk the once full room was half empty. It made me wonder where fashion’s cream of the crop were headed next or was the quick exit due the open bar now being shut? I guess I will never know.
Last Words: Well for a first preview, On/Off must have done something right, because the response was definitely positive. On/Off proved that they are not only about putting on shows for up and coming designers, but they are about supporting the designer through business advice and economical development. It is on that note that I say reign on On/Off, keep doing what you do best – supporting fashion’s future. It is with those words that I conclude, that if you want to see more of Britain’s next big designer(s), I guess I will be seeing you at On/Off, which will run between 17th – 20th September alongside London Fashion Week.
For more information on On/Off please visit www.thedoll.org/onoff or contact Alison at press@thedoll.org or
By Muchaneta Kafunde
w: http://muchaneta.co.uk/default.aspx
Images courtesy of Alison at On/Off Press Office
