If anyone had a bright future for fashion in July, it was Iris van Herpen. Known for her intricate creations and fashionable experiments with 3D printing (she boasts the world’s first 3D printed dress), the designer won the ANDAM prize – consisting of a considerable pay out, and a years worth of mentoring from French luxury goods company, Kering.
Innovation was also under the microscope back at couture, with the likes of Dior, Chanel and Maison Martin Margiela as the subject matter. Raf Simons showed a collection that, according to show notes “eschewed strict historical accuracy, whilst embracing an almagamation in the imagination”. Meanwhile Versace showed a dramatic selection of sexy evening wear, and Margiela dazzled with trademark masks and beaded patchwork. Perhaps Matthieu Blazy had leant his own mask to one of his runway girls, with Suzy Menkes unmasking him as the creative director behind the notoriously secretive maison.
It was also announced, that Diane von Fürstenberg was to keep her presidency at the helm of the CFDA – a role she is to keep now until 2016. Appointments were also made at LVMH, as Sebastian Suhl was declared the latest CEO of Marc Jacobs, following a year of change for the American designer.
Bright futures were also on the horizon for NEWGEN’s and Fashion East’s latest recruits. Ashley Williams and Faustine Steinmetz joined as part of the BFC’s initiative, whilst Edward Marler was the next young designer taken under Lulu Kennedy’s wing.
There was also political triumph, following last month’s sweatshop label mayhem, as the owner of the Rana Plaza factory, which collapsed killing 1129 people in Bangladesh last year, was charged; a reminder of the role we all have to play in fashion’s future.
Credits
Photography Alasdair McLellan
Styling Ashley Williams
Clothing Jeremy Scott for Barbie
[The Just Kids Issue, no. 320, Pre-Fall 2012]