November 1, 2018 |
Right on Halloween, when ghosts get a free pass and witches throw coven feasts, the spookiest designer out there threw a spectacle of her own. For SS19, the Turkish-born high priestess of the London fashion scene she is, Dilara Findikoglu decided to do things her own way. Completely outside the fashion month schedule and even geographically beyond the usual Soho route of show venues, there came an ooky-spooky immersive fashion presentation that will be remembered for years to come.
Set in Dennis Sever’s house right by Spitafields market, the dark location resembled a haunted house filled with spirits of the past. The best-dressed spirits you’ve ever not seen. Spread over four floors, 19 models brought to life Findikoglu’s dark fantasy. References strayed from classic horror films to biblical stories, with the designer’s signature scarlet red weaving throughout the collection. Beyond the macabre, classic fashion and art references came through, reminiscing of the work of Elsa Schiaparelli and early Alexander McQueen. Up on the top floor, a piece of heaven came down – the duck egg blue poof dress with a matching pair of marabou slippers. As the daylight beamed through the windows and the model swayed her lanky limbs, we were transported to another world.
Yes, the space did a lot to set the mood, but it was the immaculately-made clothes that established the significance of this moment. Couture-like qualities with a twisted brain behind it. Without a doubt, this was the Halloween party of the year.
