London Fashion Week S/S 2012: Mary Katrantzou

If there's any show I wish I could have attended during LFW - meaning, if I had an invitation and didn't have art history class the same time - it's Mary Katrantzou's. I find it quite easy to be entranced by Katrantzou's bold, artistic designs. Though only on the scene for a few seasons (A/W 2009), she's become a powerful new voice. There's quite a difference between her work and simple garments created by other designers. This collection is indeed less architectural, and hence more wearable than prior seasons', but there's a depth to these pieces that not all designers can conjure.

Inspired by the contrast of man and nature, she adopts her influences in a literal sense - floral prints appear in a setting, a field. Motifs from nature are digitalized, blown up to the point of being unrecognizable.



I keep mentioning art vs. fashion and whether they are entirely exclusive. I don't believe they are; it's quite evident through many designers that fashion is a wearable extension of simple "art." When I question my purpose as an artist, I can't help but think studying fashion would be an appropriate path. I suppose my training as a designer at this point is absolutely minimal - but isn't that what university is for? To guide one? To teach? Yes? Yes.

xox Catherine

Images via style.com

EDIT: For an interview with Mary Katrantzou on her most recent collection, check out the latest issue of Lula.