COLLECTION| Pinghe AW14

Pinghe had cited “creating peace” as the ambition behind this collection. “The world is blurred in my eyes”, she explains, “I want to slow things down”. As soft bongo drums built anticipation amongst the audience, the halted movement pushed the boundaries of laborious pace. Models emerged in bouffant lace bras and transparent PVC skirts, a brave showcase of the spectacular female form. The stunted movement permitted the sheer opulence of Pinghe’s collection to be wholly absorbed making for the peaceful experience she set out to achieve. 

“The girl behind this collection is an individual, original and not afraid to be herself”, mused PingHe. PVC and leather pieces carried the authoritarianism of a dominatrix whilst feminine shapes in regal reds and palatial golds were fitting for a princess. Models were ethereal with dewy skin and alluring eyes in shimmering antique golds. Hair was voluminous and rolled under backcombed beehives reminiscent of the Victorian era.

Texture was pivotal in the execution of this collection. PingHe blurred the concepts of shape and texture in order to harness the ever moving pace of modern life. Lavish mongolian furs sumptuously contrasted with fitted leather shift dresses, whilst grandiose ‘PingHe’ panelling embroided in camoflage sequin detailing lent the designs an aura of stature. Knitwear was oversized and exaggerated in shape, juxtaposing form and structure when worn over elegantly structured peplum skirts. The looks were softened by hightop shoes which introduced everyday urbanity and individualism to the collection. 

By Lydia Smyth, (@LydiaRoseSmyth)
Images by Hannah McGee (@HannahMcG3e)

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT SS14| PINGHE

PINGHE is the fashion label created by Chinese designer Ping He. Showcasing at Fashion Scout for the first time this September, Ping is no stranger to success having won numerous acclaimed accolades across her career. Whilst studying at leading art and design university Suzhou, Ping won the Shanghai Fashion Week award for womenswear design as well as a SAGA design award. Following graduating her BA degree with a first, Ping came to London and completed a masters degree at Nottingham Trent University. Having perfected her highly innovative style, Ping became Head of Design at London based brand Aftershock where she continued to receive critical acclaim not to mention a string of awards including BFC's award for 'Best Rising Star Brand.

In April 2011, Ping He launched her ready-to-wear label PINGHE in London, with strong support from Harvey Nichols’ CEO Joseph Wan and British Fashion Council Chairman Harold Tillman. We are thrilled to have her SS14 collection showcase at Fashion Scout on Friday 13th September at 7pm.

By Cass Gowing, Editor of Fashion Scout @CassGowing