Antipodium showed at London Fashion Week 2014 in the historic Institute of Contemporary Arts building, with a collection aptly titled ‘Times New Roman’…
Antipodium showed at London Fashion Week 2014 in the historic Institute of Contemporary Arts building, with a collection aptly titled ‘Times New Roman’. Thread’s reporter Alia Gargum was there to tell us all about it…
Set at the calm Institute of Contemporary Arts, Antipodium arranged for the fashion pack to access their London Fashion Week show, ‘Times New Roman,’ to be accessed by a secret staircase entrance at the back of the building – somewhat suitably for a collection that promised to “catapult us forward with an eye on the past”.
As I walked down into the show space, expecting to be ushered to my seat, I was greeted by the models sitting on benches and eating grapes, laughing and offering them to the crowd. This wasn’t your average fashion show. Set to thumping music, the crowd were given free rein to walk around the models and photograph as they pleased.
The collection is all about culture past and present, mixed in with futuristic finishes. The colour palette struck me first- “Encyclopedia Britannica Green for the Google generation” with orange and marble grey (reminicent of the pixelated marble statue print serving as a backdrop for the show) all mixed with textures like velvet, PVC, and merino, creating a modern sweet shop of pieces to choose from.
The pixelated theme followed through to “A for Antipodium” appliquéd pixelated letters on sweatshirts in faux fur – which also adorned the sky-high heels – styled with socks for extra unexpected warmth.
This collection is extremely wearable- classic American sportswear lends to the casual vibe of the pieces, but the luxury finish and historical references (such as the dome of the British Museum on quilted PVC minis or marble bust prints) transport it further.
Creative Director Geoffrey J. Finch (below) also consults at Topshop, so this brand knows how to deliver high fashion with a dose of fun and no-fuss cool.
The makeup and hair was also a happy marriage of opposites; dreadlock-like twisted sections of hair complemented luxury gilded lids, which added to the whole Ancient Rome vibe with indulgent grape eating. In comparison with many London Fashion Week shows, which are like a mega electric shock of excitement, colour, light and noise delivered in a crazy five minutes, this relaxed and fun show was like stepping into a moving portrait party. I love what this brand has done for A/W 2014- it’s like someone made your ideal dress-up box of clothes that are wearable, warm and gorgeous.
Hair by TIGI Toni & Guy.
Words and photography, Alia Gargum on location for Thread.co.nz
17 February 2014
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