To the sound of trumpets and snare drums, London Fashion Week got under way today with Antoni and Alison opening proceedings at Somerset House.
The design duo unveiled a collection consisting entirely of dresses. Models wearing sleek, cropped wigs paraded past to a soundtrack provided by a brass band at the end of the catwalk.
The silhouette was fluid and a billowing, balloon shape featured throughout. Print was key but the designers avoided digital techniques, relying instead on their own hands to create motifs and patterns which included spray paint, brush strokes and pencil lines. Trompe-l’oeil bows created an elongating effect on waists whilst sequin prints also featured throughout.
Antoni Burakowski and Alison Roberts, celebrating 25 years in the business, consider dresses to be the basis of their brand. “Dresses are the right thing to do,” said Burakowski before the show.
They met as students at Central St Martins and have worked together ever since. But this collection, entitled New Work, was not about looking back. “I hope that the new shines through,” said Roberts.
London Fashion Week continues until Tuesday. Moschino Cheap and Chic unveils its spring/summer 13 collection tomorrow.
