Fast-forward: Fashion gets an architectural makeover for a/w 2010

MaxJenny Pixel Origami Poncho

Here at Nu, we try to seek out fashion that uses sustainable production, has innovative design and quality construction. So we were thrilled to be faced with some unique collections for Autumn/Winter 2010.

Spotted at Estethica, London Fashion Week Exhibition…

First up is Maxjenny, with their creative use of material – turning Recycled PET bottle fabric into multi-functional architectural jackets constructed by folding and draping geometric shapes. We love the Origami jacket. Its bold pixel design wouldn’t look out of place alongside Erdem, Matthew Williamson or Eley Kishimoto, with their strong, original prints seen cascading down the runways. Maxjenny is definitely one to watch…

Henrietta Ludgate skirt & top

A firm favourite at Nu, Henrietta Ludgate really pulled out all the stops for her a/w 2010 collection. In keeping with some of the best high end designers, her new collection is a more feminine take on the futuristic style seen at Louise Goldin. Sculptured A-line minis with scooped-back dresses are bang on trend, made from a mixture of British wool and cashmere and organic fibres. Henrietta sees fashion as a type of architecture, and it’s certainly apparent in this distinctive collection, full of interesting silhouettes and tailored pieces.

Spotted at the LFW closing party from the Ethical Fashion Forum (EFF) at the Hospital Club…

The EFF LFW closing party was awash with creative people, fantastic clothes (which you could try on and then get your photo taken in the photo booth – great idea EFF) and decadent cocktails. So, obviously, we made our way over to the dressing room to check out the collections…

Julia Smith corset dress

Julia Smith’s Velocity collection was a welcome departure from the other designers’ creations that all seemed to drape flowingly over the hangers. All of Smith’s pieces are unique, intricately constructed with flattering contours and embellishments in exactly the right places. The corseted dresses made from recycled polyester fabric (a fabric originating from plastic bottles) are extremely sexy, and the jackets wouldn’t look out of place on a powerful (fashionable) business woman.

If you’ve come across any ethical fashion that you think has been inspired by architecture, post your findings…

LFW: Prophetik@Vauxhall Fashion Scout

When you spot acclaimed fashion stylist and journalist, Hilary Alexander, at a show, you know the designer is one to watch. And Jeff Garner certainly didn’t disappoint.

A throwback to his Southern roots, the Prophetik Autumn/Winter 2010 collection was inspired by the American Civil War. And it was certainly apparent in many of the ballgowns shown. The first, a recycled silk long black dress with peace silk lining, was both ethereal and beautifully saddening. A perfect piece to start the show.

Whilst much of the audience were mesmerized by these A-line, haunting dresses, it was certainly his sportswear that took centre stage. Wearable and chic, Garner showed us hooded dresses, slashed leggings, jackets… and the relaxed jodhpurs, that were a regular feature on the catwalk, had us dying to get our hands on a pair.

The black and red long halter dress in organic stretch hemp and organic jersey was also a favourite, along with the indigo-dyed blue linen flanker trousers with red piping. Comfortable, yet effortlessly stylish.

Unfortunately, Garners efforts at the constructed more tailored female jodhpurs fell flat, unusual, seeing as though his menswear pieces were so immaculately constructed. We left thinking which waistcoat or cloak we might buy for our better halves from this Heathcliffe-inspired collection.

All in all, Garner’s show was one of great style. Whilst we were fully prepared to be mesmerized by his creative, innovative dresses and use of materials (a mixture of hemp, organic cottons, Greenspun, and indigo-dyed fabrics using plants grown in his own garden in Tennessee), it was his sophisticated sportswear that had us on the edge of our seats.

The collection will be sold at Eco Age, which is run by Colin Firth’s wife, Livia Giuggioli, in West London. If you just buy one piece, make it the hemp / organic cotton jodhpurs.