The Bite Magazine Issue 17

I would wear most of the outfits I saw but I loved the high-necked Victorian lace crop tops, especially the burgundy paired with a mid-length white tulle skirt. All pieces are handmade from fabrics sourced and manufactured in London. Flora Dezeta ’s AW16/17 collection called ‘ReCreation’ focuses on the ideas of flow and inner strength, reconnecting with harmony, flexibility and the feeling of being free. Structured triangle-shaped shoulder panels and geometric prints (designed by Flora herself) represent strength, while the materials used and the effortlessly fluid shapes of the skirts and dresses represent freedom and flow. Navy blue was coupled with varying reds and slate grey with yellows in this somewhat futuristic collection, and the two prints featured were paired with colours; a triangle-based design on red mesh tunics/skirts and a line-based design on yellow skirts/leggings. The next collection began in style with a blonde bombshell sashaying down the catwalk, to music specially composed to promote the brand, in a fitted pink waistcoat and matching suit trousers paired with a white short-sleeve shirt and red velvet bow-tie. Anyone who didn’t already know Kwame Koran- teng designs mainly menswear would have been thoroughly misled by this opening look, but what a way to make an entrance! When the following male model stepped out in a matching pink suit I wasn’t sure what to expect next but I knew this designer wasn’t afraid of colour and I wasn’t disappointed; the col- lection included bubble-gum pinks, British racing greens and deep burgundies. His signature crest appeared on some of the plainer coloured designs, and despite the boldness of the colours the collection still had a real feeling of men’s couture about it. Continuing on from the success of her show at last year’s Labels, Preline Martha brought us her new collection titled ‘Afro-chic’ – for ambitious women who love bright colours and aren’t afraid of bold prints! Born in Zimbabwe, Preline takes influence from her heri- tage and the brand celebrates African culture by combining traditional African wax prints on Ankara fabric with stereo- typically Western shapes and styles. She says she loves “taking what would be a traditional African dress and turning it into modern fashion like a suit or jump- suit.” This year’s collection definitely had a professional feeling overall, mostly including smart outfits with flashes of her statement prints, but I like that she also included some more casual designs in the mix (ambitious women need going out clothes too!). My favourite pieces were actually a couple of the more casual ones: a pleated skirt with a colourful print of blurred oranges, pinks and blues and a ‘skort’ in a beautiful red, grey and brown wax print paired with a seriously cute little bustier. If the variety she pre- sented this year is anything to go by, this designer isn’t going to run out of ideas anytime soon! Finally, Sylvia Fumudoh who graduated from Middlesex University took us on a journey through her collection called PREBY , inspired by feminine shapes and curves which focused on flattering the female form. The collection’s colour pallet embraced natural tones with the influence of sand and the lovely colour of green that covers the earth. A bold and modern collection inspired by fem- inine shapes and curves that creates sophisticated, elegant and comfortable womenswear. Labels Fashion founded in 2010 by fashion designers Schenell Stephens and Sylvia Fumudoh will continue to provide up-and-coming designers with the platform to showcase their recent work, build upon press opportunities, encourage sales and strengthen brand awareness. The catwalk show, which was self-funded and organised by the founders, has continued to attract much attention amongst the creative industry. www.thelabelsfashion.com bite fashion Gingham Doll Kwame Koranteng Preline Martha