Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Oriental Style cuts a dash in East End

Susannah Frankel,Fashion Editor
Tuesday 23 February 1999 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

SHELLEY FOX, winner of the first Jerwood Fashion Prize, showed her autumn/winter collection at London Fashion Week yesterday.

Less than one month ago, she was sleeping on her studio floor after her boiler broke at home and she could not afford to have it fixed. On 10 February, however, she won the largest-ever fashion prize - pounds 20,000 in cash, a guaranteed order from Liberty worth pounds 25,000, an interest-free loan against further orders for up to pounds 50,000, and access to a panel of judges who include designers Betty Jackson and Alexander McQueen.

Although her show was off the official schedule and in east London, the other side of the town from London Fashion Week's headquarters at the Natural History Museum,, the viewing was packed.

Yesterday's show was a development of Fox's Jerwood collection, fully representing her signature style. This starts with the fabrics, mainly felted wools, often buckled and scorched, in sombre colours: black, grey and burnt orange.

Fox, a 32-year-old of Scunthorpe, starts her cutting with geometric shapes, then cuts randomly placed neck and arm holes, the fabric being pulled into shape on the body around them. The resulting is reminiscent of the work of Japanese designers.

In an earlier show yesterday, Luella Bartley's crisp little dresses in high-quality men's shirting material looked sweet. Others in corduroy with biker zip fastenings were equally London-girl in flavour. Fondant coloured knits - powder pink, blue and cornflower - will no doubt sell.

Bartley has attracted interest from American Vogue, Barneys and Saks.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in