Mary Katrantzou A/W 2017

Mood board: Mary Katrantzou has an enduring affinity for the classic Walt Disney film, Fantasia. ‘I was 10-years-old when I first saw it,’ she revealed backstage. ‘And it’s always really inspired me.’ This season, the movie was her starting point in a resplendent collection that celebrated the notion of fantasy. True to form, her interpretation was nuanced and imaginative. ‘It was never about the Disney characters. It was more about the beautiful synergy of the movie,’ she noted. Katrantzou reflected the reverberations of the film’s emotive score in the silhouettes. Ripples, frills and curvaceous lines animated zip-up dresses, peplum tops and skirts. Elsewhere, she entertained a masculine contrast, turning out velvet tuxedos that were influenced by the era in which Fantasia was released – 1940. ‘It needed that balance,’ she adds.

Teamwork: Katrantzou collaborated with Disney on a small series of looks throughout the collection. ‘I called them up and said that I love the movie and I’d love to work with you,’ she enthused. Cells from the film were skilfully woven into rich brocades or jacquards, appearing on velvet suiting and extraordinary gowns.

Best in show: The finale gown was a masterpiece in every sense of the word – a long tulle dress with hand-stitched embellishments that caught the light as it moved. Fit, no doubt, for even the most contemporary Cinderella.

Fashion show models — Mary Katrantzou A/W 2017