As the reconfigured Robert Palmer anthem Addicted to Love blasted over Tom Ford's smooth, salon speaker system, it was clear that we were in for a date with overtly sensual, rock 'n' roll high priestesses. The American designer may have sighted references from his own 1990s back catalogue as the season's lynchpin - indeed the bra cups and black mesh were classic Ford-era Gucci - but the Lurex flares, baby doll dresses and stretch sequins surely strode right out of a Seventies discotheque. Either way, Ford's jewelled 'pasty' flowers were obviously a contemporary addition. Striding six foot plus in their platformed clogs, spiky shag crops and kohl-rimmed eyes, these models were calling out for a stage, as their long chiffon choker scarves trailed behind. And if not for their gold leather chain embroidery dresses, then certainly for their camouflage jacquard boot cut jeans. This was not a season for the shy or even slightly self-conscious. Ford's tee-shirts were more akin to bodysuits, his evening wear - inspired by Carlo Mollino's provocative photographs - equaling sequinned bands or harness bras floating on stretch tulle. Instead, this was a collection for the beautiful and the damned.
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Sabato De Sarno is appointed new creative director of GucciItalian designer Sabato De Sarno – formerly of Valentino – is the new creative director of Gucci, replacing Alessandro Michele who left the house last November
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Sotheby’s to auction Marie-Antoinette’s armchairs, amid other regal lots, in aid of French château
Sotheby’s Paris will auction works from the collection of interior designer Jacques Garcia in aid of Château du Champ de Bataille
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Marco Campardo wins Design Museum’s emerging designer prize
The Design Museum, London, announces Marco Campardo as winner of The Ralph Saltzman Prize, an annual accolade to celebrate and support emerging designers
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Margaret Howell London Fashion Week Women's S/S 2019
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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
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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
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Nicholas Daley's multicultural roots celebrated in London
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New York Fashion Week A/W 2021: drive thrus and digital distortion
New York Fashion Week's digital-first offering presented solutions to life post-pandemic and political crisis, from brands including Tom Ford, Proenza Schouler, Khaite and Collina Strada
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Modern Manhattan: how NYC navigated the S/S 2021 shows
As the spring shows kick off in New York, designers offered respite, innovation and escapism from a city still moving towards recovery
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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
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Erdem A/W 2020 London Fashion Week Women's
