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One of my favourite shows to attend at London Fashion Week is the “off schedule” collection of shows hosted by Fashion International. Created by Geoff Cox, the Fashion International multi-designer showcase is the opportunity for international emerging designers to showcase their work without the costs of hosting their own show.
London Fashion Week SS15 | Omar Mansoor
This is where it all began for Presents and is what our concept of profiling up and coming designers is all about. This is also where I first saw designer Omar Mansoor show and since then, and now in his 9th season showing at London Fashion Week, I have been following his work and profiling his fabulous collections.
Omar Mansoor knows how to dress women and in particular how to dress women for fantastic events with his gorgeous evening wear and couture gowns. His collection for SS15, “Mata Hari” was inspired by the exotic Dutch dancer and courtesan Mata Hari, who was convicted of being a spy in the early 20th century.
Omar took the free spirit and strong willed attitude of Mata Hari mixed with her wardrobe of bespoke outfits with dazzling jewels and presented to us a delight of contrasting red, light gold and turquoise dresses in pure silk, crepe and chiffon. Graceful, flowing yet that little bit magical.
I was lucky enough to see sketches of the collection by illustrator Jazmine Cant on Omar’s instagram before the show, so I knew we were in for something special!
I loved the turquoise dress with chiffon train that just seemed to dance down the runway. I was enchanted by the turquoise, chosen to depict the early struggle in Mata Hari’s life. It was a vivid colour that really lifts a gown to the next level of glamour, rarely worn but very sensual.
Light gold was used in the collection to signify Mata Hari at her peak. The rather unusual styling of a scarf over the models face added a touch of mystic to the look, maybe an ode to the conviction of Mata Hari as a spy?
Semi-precious stones were used throughout to reflect Mata Hari’s love of dazzling jewels. Adding a texture to the crepe and chiffon was the use of an old technique of hand woven crochet applied to the gowns; particularly in this red gown, where Omar used the red to communicate the end of Mata Hari’s life story. I love the different design here and the edginess to the gown.
Overall a great collection as usual from Omar. Omar Mansoor designs and styles dresses for any occasion, whether it be a wedding, a cocktail party or a day at the races.
Thanks to Dee and Sophia at Dee Vesali Publicity for their superb hosting of their Styling Suite (more to come on that at some point) and their lovely hospitality.
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