The scene at Gemma Slack’s A/W 2011 presentation was one of uber trendy fashion voyeurs and participants all chomping at the bit to see what this up and coming fashion designer had extracted from her effervescent creative mind. The designer’s decision to display her work in the form of a presentation couldn’t have been more fitting for her abstract creations that truly wouldn’t look out of place in an art gallery. Adding to the atmosphere was a fantastic performance by dance-pop sensations du jour, Chew Lips.
Using a mixture of mediums including leather, wool, metal and chiffon, the body conscious silhouettes, which came in the form of mini dresses, trenches and trouser sets, were modernised with asymmetric shoulders and detached sleeves. An oversized woollen jumper that sported three inch long gold nails on the elbows generated much ooing and ahhing from the crowd.
Accompanying the collection was a number of striking head pieces- one resembling a Mohawk made entirely of leather and as well as a series of metallic face masks. A collection that brought a look of shock and surprise to everyone’s face, Gemma Slack has given the fashion industry what it craves most in these financially testing times: clothing that inspires.
Words: Jess Whyte
Images: David Maunder