Sunday, February 20, 2011

Best of London Fashion Week

Jonathan Saunders FW11

by Grace Gordon

As a Printed Textiles graduate from the Glasgow School of Art, we look to Jonathan Saunders’ runway for new, vivacious prints for fall. He did not disappoint.

Working from a sleeker silhouette than usual, one almost gets the impression that he’s holding back at first. Yet, as the show progressed, the clashing and contrasting prints cut a cheerful (rather than severe) figure on the runway.

Slim lines, bishop sleeves, sheer fabric and graceful skirts were a few of the sweet offerings you can take from Saunders’ runway, but it was ultimately the exquisite prints that took center stage. While outwardly polished and sophisticated, the color saturated graphics, mixed prints, and pretty hues kept this collection playful. These are clothes that are prim, ladylike and youthful. One gets a rare sense of optimism underlying the fashion ethos of this show. Jonathan Saunders’ fall collection reminds us that fashion doesn’t have to be complicated or dreary to be desirable.