As many fashion savvy women descend upon the streets of London during Ramadan, new names to know will take high place on their purchasing agendas for their winter wardobes. After capturing our attention during their breakout spring/summer 15 shows these London-based designers have the fashion insiders buzzing.
By Susan Devaney
The great city of London has never suffered from a lack of design talent. After students have doffed their caps from the city’s array of esteemed universities, the first few years after graduation is the making and breaking of many a designer. Studying politics and psychology wasn’t for Dubliner Danielle Romeril. After switching paths, she completed the womenswear MA at the Royal College of Art and has never looked back. With a studio in the London College of Fashion in Hackney and an internship in Italy with Alberta Ferretti, she’s got the means to succeed. Evoking a raw and real spirit across her autumn/winter 15 collection, she captures the sense of a dystopian universe. From diamond-quilted jackets to tough textured dresses, an Earthy palette prevails throughout. And the pièce de résistance? The lace-edge detailing (using an ancient Japanese technique) found across asymmetric skirts. Citing strong female musicians such as Grimes and PJ Harvey as muses, it’s easy to see why her designs will appeal to women who know what they want.
Danielle Romeril's autumn/winter 15 collection. Stocked by MatchesFashion.com.^
Her play-off between hard and soft textures is making her desirable designs stand out from the crowd. Helen Lawrence from Whitely Bay graduated from Central Saint Martin’s in 2012 with an MA in fashion. Her cosy brushed mohair two-pieces; blanket coats and embroidered jumpers have since caught the attention of the press. Working from her studio in East London, her autumn/winter 15 collection demonstrates why she specialised in knitwear.
Helen Lawrence's autumn/winter 15 collection. Stocked in Opening Ceremony. ^
Andraya Farrag of Bedouin combines her upbringing in the Middle East with her design skills attained from London’s Central Saint Martins. With an internship at the helm of Matthew Williamson under her belt and two previous collections, she’s rising up through the competitive waters of the fashion world. For autumn/winter 15 a loose silhouette takes precedence. From grey to black to white, the palette is kept to a tonal scale. A star motif moves across design after design. With fabrics that hang loosely on hips and across shoulders, there’s an easy feel to the whole collection.
