Mary Katrantzou AW 2012

Katrantzou’s designs would be an excellent choice for anyone who prefers head to toe printed clothing. The designer has kept her recognizable bold graphics in her new AW collection, which is inspired by the colors of a crayon box and Victoriana.

The first thing one might notice is the color palette: each color was decorated with different prints and represented a special motif. For instance, green pieces had the labyrinth as a leading motive, unlike the canary yellow outfits which were inspired by yellow pencils with pink rubber bands attached. Katrantzou has gone even further and designed a yellow pair of trousers that resembled a giant yellow pencil. Because of the vivid graphics, the green ensembles remind us of giant hedge mazes and one can get even lost just looking at them. Daring prints of typewriters, pencils, spoons, wrist watches and hangers have created a very realistic 3D effect. But one yellow dress with pink details wasn’t just an optical illusion. The skirt was composed of actual yellow pencils sewn on fabric. This is certainly a piece that will be remembered as a part of collection’s highlights. The fashion show was completed with a few black and white looks similar to Victorian fashion. High necks, high collars and corset bodices were in the tradition of this period and Elizabethan England. Some dresses with skirts wrapped around the body were made in McQueen style and they were definitely a direct hit.

This choice of form, prints and materials leaves a strong impression and some outfits are on the verge of looking more like costumes. Hence, Mary Katrantzou’s creations are not for someone who wants to keep a low profile, but they don’t exceed the limits of good taste if well combined with accessories.