London Fashion Week: Laura Lees Label
I have to admit, I wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about the Laura Lees show on Thursday night. Not because I don’t love the label (I do!), but because it was 9:30pm on the very last day of Fashion Week, there was a last minute venue change, and I was fed up of clomping around the cobbled streets of Soho in heels. However when I finally reached the venue, paid a couple of visits to the complimentary bar, and grabbed a front row seat – and goodie bag - I was far more excited. The scene was set with roller waitresses handing out red lipstick and matching nail polish, and as the lights dimmed and the disco ball started spinning, it was evident that we were in for a glamorous night…
Having befriended a magician (who was amazing!), I found myself wondering what was going on. The event was certainly glamorous, but it was also very mysterious. All eyes were on the dance floor, where an unexplained item on the central podium was the only sign we were at a fashion show, not just schmoozing in a bar. A tattooed show girl sashayed on, and uncovered the mystery item to reveal a gold chair, embroidered in traditional Laura Lees style. A moustached gent then appeared and proceeded to perform a country style ballad, whilst we all scratched our heads and wondered when the fashion would kick off. As the song ended, the first model finally appeared dressed head to toe in a fabulously embroidered frock.
For those who are unfamiliar with Lees’ trademark embroidery, now is the time to get acquainted. She uses colourful printed fabrics – floral prints feature strongly – then works into them with rock ‘n’ roll, tattoo inspired embroidery. Skulls, hearts, roses and daggers all feature heavily. With Lees, the shapes are possibly less important than the embroidery, but they are by no means unsuccessful – all the dresses featured are super flattering, and would be perfect for adding a little colour to any wardrobe.
The collection had no real surprises, although the floral headpieces and brooches were a nice touch, and showed that Lees is not a one trick pony. As the mysterious gent appeared on stage again, this time joined by a glamorous young lady, to perform a rendition of ‘Addicted To Love’, the show drew to close. A little bit mysterious, a little bit rock and roll, and a lot glamorous – Laura Lees makes fabulous clothes for girls who like a bit of fun with their fashion.
The amazing shoes came from Topshop, and were customised by Laura Lees’ interns!
