Ashish SS2010
I‘ve seen the future of fashion (well SS2010 anyway), and prepare yourself because it’s girly. As girly as it gets- the exact antithesis of AW09, which is characterised by black, leather, studs and attitude by the bucket-load. Maybe it’s because the end of the Recession is in sight. Maybe it’s because black is just too much for summer. Maybe designers just wanted to be a bit more cheerful…whatever their reasons feminine romanticism was all over the catwalks in London, New York and Milan- Christopher Kane was sugary sweet in pink and white gingham, Fendi updated Parisian refinement in a uniquely Lagerfield way, Gianfranco Ferre presented a fluid frothy lightness, Eun Jeong’s all white collection was fit for a snow queen in summer…and that’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
But amongst the froth and fuss one man stands alone and his name is Ashish (please note I am no way prone exaggeration…). His unique vision of summer draws influence from the decade we all love to hate (acid washes, studded denim and shoulder pads) and Bo Derek (fringed jersey). Taking us around the world in one catwalk show, with references the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, and the Mona Lisa- an Ashish babe has more lip-gloss than Barbie. Elsewhere bold and bright flamingos clashed with palm trees and hibiscus florals, and brash slogans announced that our heroine was ‘Just Do(ing) It’.
These clothes are fun, bold, unsubtle and playful, and rather refreshingly, don’t pretend to be something they’re not. If Miami were sprayed with sequins, this is how she would look.
Vicki Loomes
