Mink LMFF Review - Fashion Runway 5

The good news is finally everyone has recognised only black can be the ‘new black’. The bad news is that people who revel in looking as though they live in bins are still allowed to fashionise accordingly.

Runway 5 on Wednesday the 5th March witnessed NOM*d revisit Ksubi’s grungy look of 2007 using greys, blacks, ripped-up and layered garments, and steel-buckled boots. Cose Ipanema followed suit with torn skirts, similarly dark threads and aesthetically baffling head netting.

MATERIALBYPRODUCT used a beautiful array of earthy-toned fabrics with intricate patterns in white, which contrasted wonderfully against Ant!podium’s use of blue and white pinstripes. Prominent was an oilskin-looking deep brown material, lined with white dots, and a gold/mustard with darker brown stains and light tie-dye pattern. When compared with the solid, dark colours utilised by NOM*D, Zambezi, Cose Impanema and Claude Maus - MATERIAL’s materials created great appeal by pulling a previously unvisited pattern and shade out of thin air.

Walker’s selection from her ‘Lucky’ collection featured a retro theme. Karen amalgamated the simple cuts of the 1960’s and the effeminate, slim-waisted, flowing chic of the 1940’s. Consequently she produced remarkable garments which were, at times, almost Atonement-esque. Notable was a short-sleeved orange dress in translucent layers. The elegant everyday-wear garment was worn blow knee length, adorned with a simple rise-collar neck and decorated with tan belt. A short A-line dress in sheer red material and ruffled layers, which embellished a wide neckline, was another unforgettable piece.

Hosted by YEN magazine, Runway 5’s success was attributed to the contrasting styles strutting the catwalk, and the way in which designers were ordered to appear complimented each collection remarkably well.