Anne Sofie Madsen - Copenhagen Fashion Week

Anne Sofie Madsen - AW12 Collection
photo by Copenhagen Fashion Week

Scanning through the AW12 catwalk shows from Copenhagen Fashion Week, I gasped with delight when I viewed Anne Sofie Madsen's collection.  Such a wonderful display of creative talent. 

The collection combines sombre colours, digital photographic prints, a touch of  tribal pattern and a hint of 1920's frivolity.  All elements brought together to stunning effect.

Anne Sofie Madsen - AW12 Collection
photo by Copenhagen Fashion Week

Anne Sofie Madsen - AW12 Collection
photo by Copenhagen Fashion Week

Born in Denmark, Ann Sofie Madsen studied at the Danish School of Design, she trained under John Galliano for Dior in Paris before  moving to London to work for Alexander McQueen, as a Junior  Designer.

After launching her eponymous label, Ann Sofie Madsen debuted her couture-inspired collection at Vauxhall Fashion Scout during London Fashion Week, being announced as a new rising talent.

Ann Sofie Madsen's AW12 collection is her second catwalk collection at Copenhagen Fashion Week.  I certainly look forward to watching her rise as a major name on the international fashion scene.

Anne Sofie Madsen - AW12 Collection
photo by Copenhagen Fashion Week

Corrie Nielsen - A modern couturier

Corrie Nielsen
SS12 - Arbiter Elegantiarum

Photographer: Christoper Dadey

Arbiter Elegantiarum is the title of Corrie Nielsen's SS12 collection, which was shown on the catwalk on Friday as part of London Fashion Week.  Arbiter Elegantiarum - a judge or authority in matters of taste.

Corrie Nielsen dipped into a dark Victorian mood for this collection, with inspirations taken from Oscar Wilde's gothic novel, The Picture of Dorian Grey together with influences of late nineteenth century men's tailored dress, which was brought together with a contemporary Japanese aesthetic.

Architectural silhouettes, meticulous pleating and innovative folding techniques were executed in great swathes of sumptuous fabrics.  All brought together in a restrained colour palette of deep midnight blue, gunmetal grey and ivory, with a flash of chartreuse throughout.

The overall effect was refined, elegant and contemporary.

After seeing the collection, it comes as no surprise to me that Corrie Nielsen has been described as a modern couturier and true fashion visionary.

Corrie Nielsen
SS12 - Arbiter Elegantiarum

Photographer: Christoper Dadey

Corrie Nielsen
SS12 - Arbiter Elegantiarum

Photographer: Christoper Dadey

Corrie Nielsen
SS12 - Arbiter Elegantiarum

Photographer: Christoper Dadey

Corrie Nielsen
SS12 - Arbiter Elegantiarum

Photographer: Christoper Dadey

Corrie Nielsen
SS12 - Arbiter Elegantiarum

Photographer: Christoper Dadey

Corrie Nielsen
SS12 - Arbiter Elegantiarum

Photographer: Christoper Dadey

Corrie Nielsen
SS12 - Arbiter Elegantiarum

Photographer: Christoper Dadey

Precious pleating by Felicity Brown

 Can't believe I haven't yet mentioned Felicity Brown.

I was wandering around Liberty's yesterday when I noticed a rail of stunning dresses, created in ruffled layers of hand-dyed, pleated silk. I instantly recognised the dresses from Felicity Brown's debut collection.  I'd seen pieces from this collection at London Fashion Week back in September, where I was captivated by the breath-taking beauty of each piece within this small couture collection.  All of the dresses are hand-made, hand-dyed and hand-printed using precious silks.

I am totally in awe of Felicity Brown's creative talent.  So sorry it's taken me so long to share this with you.

Felicity Brown
Autumn Winter 2010

Felicity Brown
Autumn Winter 2010

Felicity Brown
Autumn Winter 2010

Felicity Brown
Spring Summer 2011

Felicity Brown
Spring Summer 2011

Eco Couture

Swedish eco couture brand Camilla Wellton create elegant, discreetly luxurious clothes for those who desire beautiful, unique pieces with an eco conscience. 10% of their profit is given to the Swedish NGO Vi skogen to help promote the planting of new trees in Africa.

Their SS10 collection will be available from 25th February. You can see a preview on their website.