Ashley Isham’s Spring/Summer 2011 show took place at Victoria House on Friday night and was a perfect opening to this Fashion Week, as far as I am concerned. The designer is well-known for his red carpet dresses that have taken the fancy of many celebrities since the launch of his debut collection in 2000 – and as a matter of fact, there was a bit of a red carpet ambiance when Paloma Faith showed up, instantly surrounded by a swarm of photographers.
Like in a classic fairy tale, and with a music accompaniment ad hoc, Ashley Isham Isham took us from darkness, with gunmetal lame and black crepe encrusted with silver metal stones, to the light and the happily-ever-after that goes with every tale – and how can one not be happily ever after with this explosion of colours, green shades ranging from soft and delicate to bright, candy floss pinks, sunny yellows, electric blues, in floaty georgette, tulles and light jersey. Extreme length, sometimes with mermaid-like tails, and bare shoulders were very present, enhancing a very feminine figure and emphasizing the dramatic allure.
There is definitely a sense of drama about Ashley Isham and it also revealed in the amazing headpieces made of artificial flowers, beading work and Ostrich-feathered embellishments.
Laurie Guillem