Untold VII :The secret is out Untold VII :The secret is out By Sherry Tagoe Set within the pop up fantasy land that is London Fashion Week we see Untold unfold once again.

Untold VII :The secret is out By Sherry Tagoe Set within the pop up fantasy land that is London Fashion Week we see Untold unfold once again. Readers may remember that Itz Caribbean first covered UNTOLD a few years ago See here. This year the story continued at London's Design Museum.

Double Decker Fashion
Outside the museum was a fantastic fashion boutique set n a bright red double decker bus. I discovered several designers and their creations showcased for the public to see. I had the pleasure of speaking to one designer, Zainab Vandu-Chikolo, one of the runners up in the Untold competition this year. Zainab spoke at length about feeling supported by Untold and how the experience is a platform for new talent to highlight their work. Zainab's designs of colourful quilted outerwear and brightly coloured pieces were on display in a quirky, fashionably dated corner of the Untold bus.

Zainab on the Untold Bus

A Catwalk Like No Other
It was now time for the show to begin. The doors opened and I was greeted by the friendly, most accommodating Rashmi Shastri (press officer for Untold). After lengthy email correspondence it was nice to finally place a face with an email address. The welcome in which I received made me feel as though I was more than just a name on the end of a long list of RSVP's.
I took my seat, front row of the catwalk, and waited to be told a story........
Lights, Camera, Fashion....

Tijana and Mila Popovic
The first designs to walk in a collective show are always the bravest. These designs are expected to set the pace for the rest of the show that follows and are often noted as the shows 'first impression'. The Popovic experience did not disappoint. Models played hide and seek with lace covered eyes. The presentation was sexy, sheer and often monochrome. The audience was seduced by the cropped, detailed biker jacket as well as the transparent and semi backless floor sweeping gown.

Ross Paul Keenan
Untold competition winner
Savile Row trained Menswear designer Ross Paul Keenan delivered smartly tailored and nicely structured pieces. We saw clean lines and confident models. Keenan successfully produced a rebel designer's alternative to the ordinarily mass produced version of the 'stuffy suit' www.rosspaulkeenan.com

Eki Orleans
Designer Hazel Aggrey-Orleans line is heavenly influenced by her culture and was able to translate her memories and experiences to the Untold catwalk. We saw Orleans play with West African themed patterns and feminine lines and geometric cuts.
www.ekiorleans.com

Eki Orleans Sept 2010

Jasmine Howard-Evans
Jasmine's use of print and breathable, versatile fabric and created effortless style. we saw Jasmine's model's using vintage cameras to aim at the photographers when they came to the end of the catwalk. I thought this idea along with dated briefcases as accessories proved to be a brilliant idea. Jasmine's creative delivery allowed the audience to feel playful , happy (models displayed emotion rather than posing as walking blank canvases)and inspired.
www.jasminehoward-evans.co.uk

De Leon by Ricardo Ramos
Fun, Flirty and Indian inspired, Ramos men's/women's collection incorporates all three. We saw a colour palette of burgundy, green and camel along with other warm hues. His collection showed a tribal theme complete with magnificent hand-stitched quality and eye catching embellishment.
www.ricardoramos.webs.com


Cupcake Couture
Following a beautifully executed show, all attendees were invited out to the roof terrace for 'tea time'. The scene instantly brought to mind Alice in Wonderland with the spread of vintage tea cups and tea pots. we helped ourselves to generous helpings of Pimm's, cupcakes and biscuits, all while an evening view of Tower Bridge stalked in the distance.

Treats provided for guests of the show

The Future, The Untold
The Untold showcase was an unforgettable experience and one of the most unique events I have attended during LFW September 2010.Often I find that some events during LFW have over time become more about the celebrity and the exclusivity and less about the creativity and passion for the craft. I will continue to support the creative movement that is Untold and hope that with their backing ,designers continue to be heard.


Me at the Untold tea reception

Future Untold Events: Noir 30th October, 2010
'In darkness all colours agree'
Venue: Embankment East, Somerset House, The Strand
Contact noir@un-told.co.uk