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Wednesday 23 February 2011

LFW Day 5 - Alice Palmer Catwalk Review


Alice Palmer’s exciting knitwear was once again a crowd pleaser. Her A/W11 collection, named after the Black Sabbath song ‘Into the Void’, had an usual a rock sensibility. The collection of knitwear featured mainly dresses; asymmetric straps and peep holes added a sultry touch of femininity. There were also large knitted jackets, wraps and jumpers. A highlight of the knitwear collection were a pair of white and ruby red leggings. At first glance it appeared the models were wearing stockings, only then did we realise the leggings had a slashed detail at the thigh which gaped to reveal the interior. The collection was made in lambswool and fine silk whilst metallic fabric was also used to give subtle glitter and glam.
 
After the show I asked Alice what she wanted to achieve with this collection; “I wanted to create really sculptural designs” she said. This she did. Using polyhedral knitting techniques that she has used before, and continues to explore, Alice was able to create 3 dimensional knits of soft spikes, peaks and holes.
 
Alice explained her inspiration came from eccentric inventor Gustav Mesmer who wasn’t afraid to delve into the unknown. Fascinated by the unknown herself, Alice has used her interests in science and technology to create a collection that pushes the boundaries of fashion that bit further into the future.
Her experimental knitwear was styled perfectly with chain and grip detailed shoes from Camilla Skovgaard. Models wore nude make-up with dark flicked eyes and the overall look was beautifully finished off with delicately structured jewellery by fellow designer and jewellery maker Karen Ann Dicken.
Words : Louisa Kilburn
Images : Lucas Seidenfaden
Illustration : Andy Bumpus