One To Watch: Charlotte Simpson SS13 Catwalk Show from VAUXHALL FASHION SCOUT on Vimeo.
Simpson graduated this year with an MA in ‘Fashion Design Technology’ from London College of Fashion, having previously completed a BA Fashion degree at Northumbria University. Demonstrating the subtle beauty that can be achieved with a pastel colour palette, Charlotte Simpson’s debut collection for Vauxhall Fashion Scout was a celebration of understated elegance and wearable-luxury.
Her use of light materials allowed for clean draping, and a fluidity as the models progressed along the catwalk; this movement was retained throughout the collection. Combined with the plunging necklines, the femininity of the material perfectly offset the androgyny of the trouser suits and square-cut dresses.
Describing the collection as “...a development from last season”, Simpson mirrored the idea of progression within the show itself. As the climactic ‘final look‘ became increasingly imminent, panels of bold gold material interjected the muted serenity of the previous looks. Embellishment and beading were slowly integrated into the pieces; emphasising the ‘luxe‘ nature of the collection, yet maintaining its consistent wearability. ‘Day’ looks slowly progressed to ‘Night’, until the dramatic final piece; a floor length gown, saturated with gold beads and a deep V-neckline.
Of her inspiration, Charlotte explained, “I have focused on the taste system, taste mapping of the tongue, and taste buds”, in accordance with her fascination with organic biology. The whole collection was, admittedly, a show of palpable sensory delight.
Text by Abigail Gurney-Read
Images by Kevin Chesnais