19 September 2024 |
We hear “designer’s designer” getting chucked about quite a bit. Still, when it comes to the glamorous women of London’s contemporary art world, there tends to be one name in particular occupying their wardrobes. Roksanda has become a go-to uniform for broad-thinkers shaping the art scene here in the capital. It starts with the designer herself, who has continuously looked to cultural figureheads who’ve changed how we see and interact with art; letting their influence guide her design hand.
This season she studied the work of environmental artist Agnes Denes, who in 1982 famously planted a wheat field in Lower Manhattan – backdropped by the World Trade Centre – as “a symbol of nature versus industrialisation and the ever-growing disconnection between human desires and their actual needs”. Roksanda’s show, held on the roof of the George Marsh-designed Space House had its own impressive backdrop of London, where guests were treated to a glorious textural buffet. Whether that was feather-laden frocks, architectural suiting with thick rope fastenings at the waist or fluffy marabou slippers that doubled as floor dusters, there was plenty to marvel at. As always, Roksanda showed her immense prowess as one of fashion’s greatest colourists, with a tinsel-like rainbow dress that danced around the form of the wearer, alongside a series of ball gowns crafted in highlighter neons that closed the show, being particular highlights. Judging by the happy faces occupying the front row, it won’t be long until you see these delightful creations gracing exhibition openings and glitzy art happenings in the not too distant future.
Photography courtesy of Roksanda.
