As always, there was a lot of anticipation for the House of Holland S/S ’12 show, due the brand’s loyal following (Henry’s twitter army stands at 186,457, at last count.) This is a man who knows exactly what London’s fashion fans want, and this collection was no exception. Having been inspired by skinhead girls and the ska music scene, House of Holland S/S ’12 was all about taking these punk looks and inverting them with a palette of lilac, peachy-apricot and mint, for an altogether softer look. It was a collection of fun contradictions; aggressive padlock necklaces and belts had been made fashion-friendly with touches of rose gold, while the string vest (oh yes!) was re-imagined in lilac lurex. Sky-blue denim was splotched with bleach for an effect that reminded us of clouds and rubber bras by Kim West added an extra level of the subversive - supermodel Eliza Cummings looked ridiculously sexy in a snakeskin rubber and a fishnet leather pencil skirt. Oversized leopard print worked well on sunset-shaded dresses, but not so well on big jackets (such a cartoonish print needs to be balanced out by sleek lines), and touches of French navy painted snakeskin on collars added a great dynamic. The same python was used on mule shoes with the skinniest of stiletto heels.
This was, as ever, one of the most fun shows of the season – with a ska soundtrack and all the essential HOH elements of bright colour, dynamic print and irreverent attitude. Just what London Fashion Week is all about.
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Issa S/S ’12 show report
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