On|Off Presents

Click here for more photos. Credit: Catwalking.com

For the first time this season the team offered a catwalk showing for six designers from the exhibition. This was a truly fantastic way to give new talent a showcase for those few moments to demonstrate their message and talent. It is greatly to be applauded - which it was by a packed audience. And it is also to be encouraged to happen next season- which it must be by all those who attended. Well done to On/Off for this initiative.

Richard Sorger
Richard Sorger presented glittering pieces with superb impact with a safari theme - no not dull green and military - hot tangerine flamingos on wild sunset orange background. Laser sequinned African sunset patterns and hot tribal abstracts strode alongside huge pouncing beasts in a fabulous menagerie. Teamed with simple pieces or worn alone these were terrific pieces.

Hannah Marshall
The capsule collection shown was terrific but the three dresses were first class - a leather empire bodice with a soft swirl of jersey skirt, a structured sharp black dress with a superb draped back in swathes of chiffon and a stunning milles feuilles baby doll dress which just looked wonderful as one tried to count the layers creating this dress which can only be described as a confection.

J.W.Anderson
Two outstanding elements here - the necklaces which seemed like fantasy collectables created in some mad scientists laborartory as the coiled and shimmered their way around the models necks and really great summer nautical baggage with n almost 40'd feel to it in shades of blue and including a very desirable oversize duffle bag.

Steph Aman and Rizvi Millinary
The chapeaux "shrieked with chic" as danny kaye once sang.Perched at a stylish angle or poised over and eye they were strong without being overpowering and demonstrated that a hat can be wearable even in the 21st century. The clothes for some reason remind me of a rebelllious fairy. Dark filigree cut work and transparent layers contrasted with delicate leathers, creating clothes which seem to thrive on contradiction and yet have a terrific charm.

Yushi
The tinted rose water coloured top and the organza folded petal skirt sum up this romantic but sharp collection. The wonderfully curvey dress with full balloon sleeves and the other elements of drapery showed a mood which was stylish and strong romantic rather then wishy washy romantic. The waist emphasis through this capsule collection also reflected the trend of the season for a curvier silhouette.

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Report by Tony Glenville