Last year designer Alice Palmer debuted her knitwear skills down the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Ones to Watch runway. A year later people are still watching. The award-winning designer’s AW10 collection, “Batman,” reinforced her strong, distinctive talent.
Finding inspiration from the technologically advanced engineering of the Batmobile, Palmer brought strength and stealth to knitwear with her unconventional techniques. Mixing merino lamb’s wool and a silk and lurex mix in grey, white and black she created visually demanding pieces with a tactile quality.
A ‘fin’ motif appeared in puckering 3-D contours and triangle hems that sharply fishtailed as models stalked down the catwalk. The motif also appeared in a black and white jagged pattern on a variety of dresses. From an asymmetrical gown to a slouchy long-sleeved sweater dress, the pattern gave laid-back knits a structured edge.
A halter-style neckline that covered the shoulders and exposed the back was a highlight on several pieces. Daunting sliver spiked embellishments were both subtle in numbers and stacked on top of each other running straight down the back, side or curving around to the front of knitted leggings.
“Batman” is a one stop-shop collection of innovative design suitable for the closet of Gotham City’s coolest punk-rock princess.
Words: Maggie Dolan
Images: Eddie Blagbrough