I love the drama of fashion, in all its guises. There’s the alleged back stage antics of models at fashion week, designer strops, missing samples, the “peacocks” loitering outside the tents in London and the battle to earn your place on the FROW.
But these dramatics are hitting the clothes for party season too. We only have to look at designers like Dolce and Gabbana (especially their regal collection for Spring Summer 2015) the exquisite embroidery at Valentino and the chaotic but brilliant styling at Balmain. It makes you sit up and pay attention, and that’s what we want from a collection. It’s happened me several times, one particular instance being at Holly Fulton Autumn Winter 2014 in February. The construction, the fabric the craftsmanship; it had me hook, line and sinker.
So if we want to add all these professional dramatics to our albeit amateur wardrobes, how can we do this in a practical way? Let’s see now shall we?
From top left: Metallic skirt, €215, Hobbs; Bag from a selection at Accessorize; Gold Gown, €199, M&S Collection; Black feather shoes, €40, Next; Topshop Autumn Winter Collection campaign featuring Cara Delevingne; Appliqué skirt, €155, Hobbs; Top, €37, River Island; Gown, €325, Phase EightAdvertised
Starting with more formal attire, the party dress is the easiest way to do the drama thing for an Oscar worthy fashionable appearance. Labels like Phase Eight, Zara, Topshop and Hobbs are the ones to watch (and shop in).
From bejewelled full length gowns, to embroidered finery, shoes with feather motifs and lots and lots of sequins, you can wear these looks on their own or add some funk (like Sienna Miller at the Met Ball in 2013). Drape a jacket in a softer fabric over your outfit to add a little feminity; or a leather jacket for that Sienna-like edge (my go-to, all time favourite you might have noticed).
So is a season in the world of drama for you? Have you a favourite catwalk look for which we can advise for party season? Go on, the style clinic is open!
