The Bite Magazine Issue 17

T he post-London Fashion Week celebrations were in full swing as the Labels Fashion collective returned to showcase the work of six emerging London fashion design- ers on the 15 th October. The initiative which gives new designers a platform to showcase their designs to the creative industry and general public enabled six talented creatives: Lizzie Belle, Kwame Koranteng Bespoke, Prelim, Flora Dezeta, Gingham Doll and Sylvia Fumudoh of Preby London to introduce their brand new collections for 2016. It was a night of fashion and music with the evening’s event being held at Rayfeng House in London’s Canada Water which provided the perfect opportunity to network and mingle as well as meet the models and designers. The evening began with a beautiful floral affair from new brand Lizzibelle which happened to be founder Elizabeth Maza Silva’s first solo show! Since the Labels are renowned for giving emerging design- ers opportunities like these, I couldn’t think of any better way of starting the event. The colour palette was mainly made up of a soft powdery blue and an elegant scarlet that contrasted each other nicely, with pretty floral details that came in many forms: delicate prints, intricate embroideries, rose headbands, and even a dress with a clever twist that formed the shape of a rose within the folds of its skirts (this was such a unique and well-executed design, it was definitely the stand-out piece for me!). The collection as a whole had an innocently romantic atmosphere that I really liked; the designs all had some- thing kind of sweet yet sexy about them, and the two colours used enhanced this impression. Elizabeth is currently in the final year of her degree studying textiles, knitting and print but she’s been knitting, making dresses and generally honing her craft since the tender age of ten. What struck me the most about this designer is that she obviously wasn’t afraid to exper- iment with the different techniques and styles she’s been learning about and still managed to knit them together into one fluid collection, which shows great poten- tial in the future versatility and creative direction of this young talent. Next up was Gingham Doll , an ethical womenswear brand with a focus on time- less yet simple silhouettes and flirtatious elegance. Babs Atta-Krah, the creative force behind Gingham Doll prides herself on how her clothes make women feel and thoroughly dislikes the notion of “throw-away” fashion and all that it entails. Her love of fashion, nurtured during her time studying at the Kent Institute of Art and Design and working for Gharani Strok, and the desire to start her own line were what led her to create Gingham Doll, but it was those two traits that influenced her uncommon decision to openly offer a customisation service to her clients. If you want a low back raised, sleeves lengthened or shortened, or anything else that might make you happier with the final design, they’re willing to try and accommodate you. The collection fea- tured lots of net, lace and tassels which were mainly black with flashes of colour, creating an air of sophistication and fun. Labels Fashion once again showcased the work of emerging menswear and womenswear designers in the heart of south-east London. Vivi Callanan captured the atmosphere. Catwalk Show 2016 bite fashion Photography: Tony Wellington The Labels Fashion Show Lizzibelle Flora Dezeta PREBY