London Fashion Week – Corrie Nielson AW11

I’ve got to admit, like many others, I wasn’t familiar with Corrie Nielson’s work before the show. But as the winner of last year’s Fashion Fringe, she will definitely be one to watch in coming years. The show left me intrigued, the reason I love young designers is that the progression between each season is so evident. The first few looks were a little lacklustre. I was unsure of some of the cuts, they seemed a little unusual and didn’t sit well on the models. The dull grey two piece suit was a definite low point but there were some nice details.

A beautiful voluminous, bottle green slightly iridescent cape caught my attention though and the show really got into its stride. Beautiful, decadent jewel tones which looked like they came straight out of a beautiful oil painting in the National Gallery were coupled with intricate folding and draping with exaggerated shoulder details. The regal, opulent collection was clearly influenced by the Elizabethan era and haute couture – the dramatic structured shapes and extravagant, lavish touches worked very well together. The last two looks – a beautiful gold dress and even bigger black dress – were almost impossible to walk in and beyond regal. After working for Vivienne Westwood and being picked by Galliano as winner of Fashion Fringe, I’m very excited to see more from Corrie Nielson. She’s one to watch and could very well be London’s next design star.