Gareth Pugh Fall 2010

Art and wearability eventually met at Gareth Pugh. Leaving the theatrics behind, the British designer found a balance between his gothic taste and the market needs. His edginess and devotion for dark colors are still there, but the outfits are less conceptual and more wearable leaving the niche for a wider clientele.

Gareth said he wanted his women to look strong and so they did in their fashion armors and hauberks. Panels of black leather create maxi chevron patterns accentuating the sinuous lines of the garments and shielding the bodies veiled in chiffon. Miniskirts find their complementary in over-the-knee boots and long asymmetrical dresses show cobweb-like fringes. The whole collection emanates women’s aggressive sensuality overpowering men’s fragile silhouette composed by A-lines and bodices.

As the sculpturally draped leather lapels turn into metal chains hanging on reminiscences of a flapper dress, the structures become gentle drapes and the leather coats evolute in crochet maxi cardigans, discretely marking the passage from daywear to nightwear.