With London Fashion Week less than 24 hours away, applications for tickets to shows sent in, and fingers crossed for some of the more exclusive invites, it gives one pause to look forward in anticipation to the collections to come. As always, Irish designers, in particular, linger in the mind and we await the creative spoils of the hard work of our sons and daughters abroad, flying a very stylish flag for us all. These are the shows we can’t wait to attend/creep on/shop in the future…
Words by Colette Fitzpatrick
NATALIE B COLEMAN
Thankfully, Natalie is on the official schedule at LFW this coming AW19 season to showcase what craftsmanship, attention-to-detail, and romance can mean in clothing today. We can usually expect clever nods to sartorial moments throughout history, luxurious fabrics like silk taffeta and traditional Irish-made fabrics such as linen and tweed and, this season, we know from Natalie’s Instagram posts to await stunning handmade Carrickmacross lace. This author is, personally, a massive fan of both Natalie and the brand and would like to see it ascend to the level of brand recognition of the likes of The Vampire’s Wife and Batsheva, which share certain aesthetic similarities though both have been around for less time and lack the same characteristic twinkle in the eye that Coleman offers.
RIXO
RIXO, the cool, vintage-inspired label that It-Girls everywhere swear by, showed its first collection at LFW last season to great acclaim and the diverse model casting, elaborate presentation and beautiful garments has us all excited to see where they go next this coming season. The brand, named by combining parts of the surnames of its two founders, Henrietta Rix and Derry-born Orlagh McCloskey, is only going from strength to strength and we can’t wait to see how their star continues to rise.
Simone Rocha
When it comes to stars rising, Rocha’s continued success, critical acclaim, and cementing as one of the most dependably excellent kids on the block is undeniable. Producing dreamy, magical collection after collection that shoppers lust after, the designer has us all in the palm of her hand and awaiting what will come next. Let’s see how see follows up her lace veils, feathered shoes, rich embroideries, and overblown florals that referenced her Chinese heritage last season.
Katie Ann McGuigan
Always on my to-watch list, I have been closely following Katie since attending her debut collection and am consistently charmed. Her particular blend of sporty and pretty, her bold use of colour, and her already distinctive aesthetic are admirable in a young designer and make her one to always keep an eye on.
It’s incredible to have so many exceptional Irishwomen boldly forging ahead and thriving in the design world on such a grand international scale and I, for one, am very glad to have them representing us so well.
