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Sunday 21 February 2010

Esprit de Corps by Horace






A rainy, austere afternoon was the perfect backdrop for Horace designers Adam Entwisle and Emma Hales’ return to the catwalk. Their new line named after the military morale reference “Esprit de Corps” presented punked out glamour through a display of black utilitarian pieces with sophisticated flair.

They used Lycra catsuits in an explosive pattern of multi-coloured splotches and opaque electric blue as a base to showcase coolly tailored separates. Jackets were strong in form through the back and shoulders and gathered into structured drapping down the front. Styles varied from a classic floor-grazing trench to a black cashmere wool cape.

Known for their work with leather—a shop owner gushed to me about how well Horace’s leather jackets were selling in his store back home in Toronto—the duo incorporated their familiar fabric with rounded panels on traditional little black dresses, edging on thigh high slits and sultry high-waisted skirts

Nice touches like floral lining peeking out from pockets and exaggerated shoulders with rounded frames added lightness to the collection’s dark edge. Hot pink ombre wigs topped each model and black sacks tied at the ankle covered their stilettos, unifying each outfit into a militia of strong fashion.

Words: Maggie Dolan
Images: Marsy Hild Thorsdottir