The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023 - Issue 33

bitecatwalk W ild and crazy as usual, Pam Hogg’s SS23 collection did not dis- appoint! I love the enthusiasm and funky flare her collections always bring. Attending her shows is like being on an exclusive list of an inner-fashionista circle of influencers - they have the style, the moxie, in-the-know, and you’re damn lucky to have been invited to such a fete. It’s been a party since she debuted in her first collection in 1981 - that’s a hell of a lineage to continue without any real falter or failure. As such, she wasn’t about to break with tradition and cancel this season’s show due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, but rather, to honour her and to keep calm and carry on. And carry on, she did indeed! The opening of the show presented pieces that delivered on her past work. A heavy nod to the ‘80s could be seen in the patent PVC and Lycra pants, a hint of orange and black splatter graffiti pattern, and platform white and black boots. The mechanic's jumpsuits, coordinated pants, tracksuits, and punk-rocker hair and make-up all referred to the good old days of London's punk club scene - although the women's orange graffiti pantsuit made me very happy and long for slimmer thighs. However, in true Hogg fashion, from this subdued yet edgy beginning emerged an exploding rainbow of colourful and almost comically whimsical dresses, superhe- ro-like bodysuits, capes and a cute tiered black and teal tulle poncho with a high neck ruffled collar. This small mini-series was like a bang of sprinkled confetti from a carni- val cannon that added drama and flare. My favourite of these looks was the black latex deep-v neck bodysuit with teal blue ruffled edging, and it looked like Catwoman's choice for evening wear. As a whole, the most impressive look was the finale! A black ruffled Lycra and PVC bodysuit with long ruffled sleeves, a plunging deep-v neck with a sheer black insert and sky-high, thigh-high lace-up boots was completed by one of the most theatrical and gorgeous black trains I’ve ever seen! It was awe-inspiring, and all I could think of was how beautiful and unique this would be on an all-black wedding dress! Wednesday Addams, call Pam as soon as possi- ble; she has your wedding dress sorted! Fittingly, this season’s collection was thoughtfully entitled, ‘My Profession is Dreaming’. Again, drawing inspiration from her past work and expe- riences, Hogg could use this memory bank to supply a plethora of ideas and even as a solid platform to introduce her new menswear pieces that were seen cleverly filtered throughout. Each look displayed an array of textured fabrics, ruffled, pleated, and skilfully layered and manipulated in such a way that can only be seen by craftsman techniques that take years for a top couture designer to master. Hogg’s ability to morph the familiar into the exclusive makes her a living legend. It appears her dreams are all coming true! www.pamhogg.com PAM HOGG FASHION WEEK LONDON Spring/Summer 2023