Daily Front Row

2009 February 20

And They're Off!

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(LONDON) What better way to kick off London Fashion Week--known for nurturing young, fresh talents--than with a show by last season's Fashion Fringe winner, Eun Jeong? While her winning Spring 2009 collection, "Go by a Secret Path," was based around a white palette, she took a darker turn this season with "Black Vanity," a mainly black collection featuring metallics, bursts of coral and the occasional neutral. Inspired by the film V for Vendetta, Jeong's collection took her signature draping and combined it with clean-cut tailoring, mixing sheer chiffons with heavier fabrics for a result at once soft and sharp.

The extraordinary attention to detail was apparent in the sequinned epaulettes garnishing a pair of silk overalls, the rosettes covering the backs of coats (adorned with ribbon, beads, sequins, tulle, rhinestones and more) and the intricate embellishment on the insides of hoods. (Those weren't only oversized on a coral coat, but also shown as an accessory unto themselves, unattached to outerwear.) We adored the billowing, uber-voluminous finale gown that floated down the runway like a cloud. Fashion Fringe creative director Colin McDowell looked on with approval, while Erin O'Connor and Hilary Alexander pointed out pieces they liked and giggled. Those who want more Jeong can head to Selfridges where her 'Go by a Secret Path' collection is currently on display in the vitrines.