The Tahir Sultan S/S13 show started and ended with the same thing- cheers and applause. Dedicated to “the secret few who know that nothing more fashionable than just being yourself,” the designer's first London Fashion Week collection, titled 'The Silence' was one focused on drapery, and style. Wearing sunglasses, models walked dresses and dramatic, strong shouldered jackets to the steady beat of the music. Modern garments, and footwear were laden with metallic studs, and pieces featuring feather and frill details were seen throughout. Wearable, feminine and an experimentation with the definition of 'glamour', Tahir's creations were both cutting edge and sophisticated.
Having worked three years as an architect, it wasn't hard to see the reference in his pieces. Combine that with him being a Central Saint Martin's graduate and gaining experience under the likes of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano and you have yourself an expressive designer who really understands the architecture of the body. Jackets accentuated the waist whilst trousers and dresses made for innovative silhouettes. The hair and make-up only added to the collection, emphasising the glamorous, feminine feel. For this season, the very white, black and grey based creations were lifted with sudden flashes of colour and complemented by the statement jewellery designs of Pallavi.
With a collection that was designed “to help the modern women express who she is without confining herself to the constraints of fashion,” the pieces sure enough achieved that. Backstage, and around the catwalk, the Tahir PR team were wearing 'Who The Fuck Is Tahir Sultan?' t-shirts. After that show though, no one was in doubt of who he was.
Text by Josh Walker (@josh_walker_)
Images by Rebecca Andrews