Nathan Jenden AW09
Fresh, innovative and exciting are the words I would use to describe Nathan Jenden's latest collection, closely followed by amazing, outstanding and just a teeny bit gorgeous.
Ok, so I'm a bit of a fan and bagging tickets to see his latest range was something of a coup for me, not least because when I arrived I was served finger sandwiches tea and cream cakes- how very British!
Shunning the big catwalk tent for a more intimate setting, hundreds of fashionistas packed into a tiny little room at Home House, all eager to see what he would deliver this time, after his SS09 collection was widely regarded as his most accomplished to date.
As the sounds of modern dance music started to boom around me, there was a definite atmosphere of anticipation as the first model strutted down the runway, with a quiff to make Elvis proud and some very funky sunglasses. Yes, we were indoors but when has that ever mattered in fashion?
And so, to the fashion itself. Inspired by architecture of snowflakes and icicles, Jenden delivered a primarily black and white collection, which included a few flashes of purple, yellow and silver to brighten up the range.
It's a shame it was such a warm day outside, as the winter wonderland collection, named 'Frostbite' really made you feel in the depths of winter, albeit a very disco pop, fun and flirty kind of winter.
Sitting in my second row seat (see how I got that in there) I could see everything, at one point the model was so close to me I could touch her, not that I did of course because that would just be vastly inappropriate...
Anyway, being that close has its advantages because you fully appreciate the amount of work, which goes into producing a collection of this size, any flaw would be totally unacceptable, so it's just as well I have nothing in the slightest way to moan about.
The detail in the range was incredible, taking a simple black dress and applying folded fringing to the front panels was a stroke of genius, as was the constantina dresses and tops which came later in the collection.
Batwing sleeves, bows, ruffles and embossed flower detailing were just some of the funky looks Jenden had incorporated into his show, teamed with brightly coloured buckle boots and some ludicrously silver ankle boots, which had a touch of new Space Age feel about them.
I loved the models hair and make-up too, it was almost a work of art with their fabulously messy front quiffs, bright pink lipstick and neon coloured sunglasses. It was a total contrast to what you'd expect from a winter collection and Jenden pulled that off brilliantly.
One of my favourite looks which reoccurred throughout the range was a fitted black corset dress, with netted sleeves and neck detail, which was then tied together at the back by a ribbon.
Using the netting on a whole host of different looks worked well for autumn and it was a nice change from the sheer panelling which had dominated so many of the spring collections.
In fact, I'd say his dress looks was where he triumphed most in this collection, and I don't know whether that's just because I'm a girl and can appreciate pretty dresses, but the fashion pack did seem to agree with me, when a particularly stunning trapeze style shift dress took to the runway.
Seemingly inspired by origami and Chinese paper lanterns, a life-size snowflake strutted down the catwalk, to a gentle hum of “oohs and ahhs”.
A similar thing occurred with a flower embossed shift dress teamed with a fringed hem and white boots, not to mention the expression on people's faces when a white puffball dress made an appearance.
I may be exaggerating of course, but the general consensus around the room as the models began to take their encore was one of sheer delight, and chorus of 'how fabulous' could be heard echoing around the room.
Me personally, I couldn't have agreed more, although I'm fairly certain I wouldn't be caught dead saying 'fabulous' in a room of fashion peeps.
That said, his wearable and wonderful collection of fashion will remain a highlight for me, at least until we can see what next season will bring.
Who knows, maybe by then I'll be declaring 'how fabulous' like a true fashionista too. All I'd need to do in the meantime is take up chain smoking and dress head to toe in leopard print and I'd be halfway there...
FemaleFirst- Laura Terry