London Fashion Week: Backstage at Louise Gray
Bullett Magazine | February 2012
It might have been the riotous colors and clashing prints, or maybe it was Madonna’s greatest hits on repeat last night at Louise Gray’s show that had the room buzzing. Given that the visually charged show had a host of inspiration, from punk band Rubella Ballet, to Cyndi Lauper’s style, to Jim Dine’s words and David Hockney’s patterns, the reaction from the crowd was fitting.
Mohawk hairpieces by Nasir Mazhar shot up to the ceiling. A jumble of bright, mismatched earrings and rainbow-colored blush topped off the cool East London look that Gray does so well. But while the styling defied all reason, the collection of layered separates could all be sensibly taken apart and worn on the high street. It was a sure sign that Gray, whose brand continues to gain momentum, has her sights on commercial success.
Slinky disco dresses were worn over barcode print tights, while barcode t-shirts appeared over red skirts with swirls of PVC foil. Peplum trousers with woven graffiti worn with zigzag Wellington boots by Nicholas Kirkwood for Pollini added to the wild mix. What received little play was knitwear, with a few nubby cashmere sweaters in red and blue peeking out underneath dresses and jackets.
Yet for a collection described as being about “everything, all the time,” it sure had all the punch needed to make one happy and fun Gray girl.