doctor serif;”>Niamh Kelly looks at Philip Treacys London Fashion Week show, his first in 8 years.
London Fashion Week saw Irish born milliner, Philip Treacy, present his collection for Spring / Summer 2013 to the fashion world. With it being 8 years since his last runway show, attendees were in for a treat. The Irish designer, who studied at NCAD, is globally recognized for his inventive and unique hats, springing to fame after being noticed by renowned editor and stylist, Isabella Blow. Celebrities like Kate Middleton, Lady Gaga and Sarah-Jessica Parker are often seen wearing his pieces.
The show took place at the Royal Courts of Justice at 8.45pm sharp, and the lucky attendants were not to be disappointed. The show was opened dramatically by controversial pop icon and huge Treacy fan, Lady Gaga, who was shrouded in bold-pink netting from head to toe, and took to the catwalk to declare the hat maker as “the greatest milliner in the world”, before stepping aside to let the show begin.
The show was an unbelievable rejuvenation of the iconic style of the late Michael Jackson. The flawlessly cast models, all black, wore stage outfits once owned by the King of Pop, and they lit up the runway with energy and attitude. Even the original red “Thriller” jacket was borrowed and featured in the show.
Despite the flamboyant entrance of Gaga and the eye catching clothing of the King of Pop, Treacy’s designs took centre stage. The show was simply mind-blowing. The models paraded down the catwalk with swagger and style, adorned with some incredibly striking hats. The crowd included both fashion names and celebrities, such as Anna Dello Russo, Dita VonTeese, Kelly Brooke, Kim Cattrall and notably, fellow designers Sarah Burton and Vivienne Westwood. Everyone got caught up in the electric atmosphere that sparked as each model entered wearing another remarkable creation. The attendees were brought to their feet, dancing to Thriller and cheering the creations of the beloved designer.
We saw a hugely extensive range of head pieces. Treacy presented us with metallic turbans, silver Cleopatra head pieces, sun-dial hats, long netted veil head pieces, a hat resembling a tall ship, Minnie Mouse ears and smiley face hats, various large, colourful, tribal pieces, and perhaps most notably a Michael Jackson glove hat, worn by model Alek Wek, who brought a surge of excitement and applause from the crowd as she worked the catwalk with the iconic piece, the super model responded to the audiences reaction with even more swagger.
It was an overwhelming night that was almost too much for the show attendees to take in. With the return of Philip Treacy to London Fashion Week, bringing with it a Michael Jackson tribute, a Lady Gaga appearance and 37 head pieces of every style, colour and texture all in the one night, it was certainly one of the most impressive shows at London Fashion Week.
