I've rushed back to the Fashion Scout Media Centre to review Masha Ma’s runway show whilst it was fresh in my mind, as I can honestly say I adored it. After seeing Jessica Stam in the collection for Modern Weekly I knew I’d be a fan. The designer has established a high profile already, with features for both Vogue and POP magazine and so has become well known for her classic but experimental tailoring.
In our previous interview with Masha she spoke excitedly about the inspiration behind the show, the buildings of New York. She hoped to present a “modern arrogance” feel with futuristic and industrial pieces. The SS11 show proved to be just this, and more. Stylist Rebekah Roy, fellow designer Amr Ali and blogger Shini from parkandcube enjoyed the show from their front row seats!
The first look was a beautiful slashed silver mini dress, experimental white shirt and gorgeously tailored cropped blazer in off-white. The clothes were styled with numerous bright silver cocktail rings and linked necklaces. Behind the clothes, the models were prettily made up with cherry red bee stung lips and pastel eyeshadow. I lusted after the shoes, of course, which were ankle-tight nude rubber boots atop a platform and silver stiletto heel.
The neutral colour palette ranged from crisp white to tan, with occasional splashes of pale dusky pink, light blue and sharp aqua. Delicate print was also used subtley on some of the looks whilst little white dresses were paired with cycling shorts, cropped metallic trousers with capes and bodycon skirts were teamed with sparkly, panelled tights. Masha left no shape or texture unexplored, showcasing sheer, panelled, boned, structural or flowing items with tulip, gathered or skin tight shapes in varying lengths.
Accessories included overloaded jewellery, metallic belts and sculptured pouch bags worn at the waist.
Along with the rest of the Fashion Scout team, I cannot wait to see Masha Ma’s creations in our Paris Showroom on the 30th of September through to 5th October 2010.
Words by Tess Stam
Images by Alex Fynn O'neill
Illustrations by Vic Riches