Barbara Casasola A/W 2014
This Brazilian-born, London-based designer is on our radar for having sewn her contrasting cultural perspectives - one restrained, the other sensuous - into an alluring aesthetic that's perfectly placed for modern women of the world. Continuing with the tailored focus of her Pre-fall collection, shown this January at Pitti Uomo, where model-cum-musician Jamie Bochert took the role of muse, the designer explained her ethos backstage: 'Brazil is in my DNA, it's part of who I am and I think I wanted to show a Brazil that is not the clichéd one. I just had this feeling of opposites; masculine and feminine, tailoring and transparency. I wanted to explore the duality of being Brazilian, in a clean way.' Against an architectural backdrop, planted with native succulents and featuring a series of windows, Casasola enabled guests to peer into her world. Here, alternate suiting options saw cropped woven polo necks pared back with split-pencil skirts in aubergine and flecked grey wool, just as a wide-legged magenta pantsuit was worn open with a silk swim-top underneath. Yet, at the same time the show had an almost monastic purity, thanks to her broad-brimmed felt hats (another Bochert shout-out), belted blazers and buttoned-up shirting. Casasola's allure is that she makes sensuality entirely workable. This same lustful transparency was cast over her ribboned evening looks and a black broidery, plunging jumpsuit, both impeccably executed and fun, again sharing a tale of two cities.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
Crispin at Studio Voltaire, in Clapham, is a feast for all the senses
New restaurant Crispin at Studio Voltaire is the latest opening from the brains behind Bistro Freddie and Bar Crispin, with interiors by Jermaine Gallagher
By Billie Brand Published
-
Vivienne Westwood’s personal wardrobe goes up for sale in landmark Christie’s auction
The proceeds of ’Vivienne Westwood: The Personal Collection’, running this June, will go to the charitable causes she championed during her lifetime
By Jack Moss Published
-
Montblanc’s leather goods evolution offers peak style
Montblanc takes design inspiration from its iconic writing archive for new collections of leather goods
By Simon Mills Published
-
Margaret Howell London Fashion Week Women's S/S 2019
By Dal Chodha Published
-
London Fashion Week S/S 2023: Ahluwalia to Martine Rose
Though slimmed-down, London Fashion Week nonetheless provided the moments of creative expression the city is known for – from Ahluwalia’s ode to Africa to Martine Rose’s much-anticipated runway return
By Jack Moss Last updated
-
Discover these fashion brands at London Craft Week
During London Craft Week, fashion brands including Smythson, Bally and Serapian are hosting events across the capital
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Nicholas Daley's multicultural roots celebrated in London
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
V&A spotlights the sartorial and social significance of the kimono
For the latest endeavour of London's Victoria and Albert Museum, Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk explores the evolution of the iconic Japanese garment
By Grace Cook Last updated
-
Erdem A/W 2020 London Fashion Week Women's
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
Christopher Kane A/W 2020 London Fashion Week Women's
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
Burberry A/W 2020 London Fashion Week Women's
By Laura Hawkins Last updated