Next show on my list was Krystof Strozyna. This was the first time showing at London Fashion Week for the twenty-five-year-old Polish wunderkind. He sent the first twenty models down the runway wearing all white: cleanly designed dresses and separates in stiff white cotton, some with chunky chrome details. Some of the shapes were a bit mod and some of the sleeves were mega-wide! Later in the show, Strozyna introduced two more colors—hot pink and black. This was helpful to “standing room only” folks like me, as the darker colors made it easier to see some of the design details like the cutouts and visible zips. Throughout the show, models were accessorized with oversized plastic bracelets and shoulder cuffs that complimented the looks beautifully.
Directly after Strozyna, I saw the Autumn/Winter 2008 collection from Meadham Kirchoff, which was Yin to Stroyzna’s Yang. Another design duo, this one is formed by Edward Meadham and Benjamin Kirchoff, their collection was soft and ultra femme with some funky touches at the end. Luxurious fabrics were abundant and even from where I stood, I could tell those flowing silk skirts and loosely knitted sweater dresses were scrumptious. The palate consisted of muted colors like light browns, grays, and soft indigo blues. Things got less romantic—and more interesting—toward the end. I quite loved a dramatic high-waisted skirt—so high it started just under the bust. The collection ended with a selection of flesh-colored tops, with fabric strips that definitely resembled electrical tape, strategically placed for the wearer’s modesty.
My final show today was Aslanturk, by Turkish Cypriot designer Mustafa Aslanturk. I was awestruck from the very beginning. Primarily consisting of dresses, the collection was extremely detailed and featured such things as sculptural draping, pointy shoulders, visible stitching, bold metal zips, and other chrome ornamentation. Among my favorite looks was a metallic PVC dress with sleeves that look like they could be attached to your coziest, most comfortable sweater. This was a fabulous combination of nature and technology. His leather pieces brought body armor to mind and upped the attitude factor.
