IRIS VAN HERPEN
The young designer had been inspired buy the mystical behaviour and intelligence of crows, combined with her fascination for medieval alchemists. Their theory to transform lead into gold triggered the designer to the opportunity to turn crows into gold, hence: Chemical Crows.
Iris van Herpen: Chemical Crows.
Iris van Herpen is one of the talents Iconique has kept an eye on since her graduation show in 2006 at the Arnhem Art Academy. Van Herpen already mesmerized audii ences with her previous collection ‘Fragile Futurity’ and was more than able to continue her rise to fame with her latest collection ‘Chemical Crows’.
The birdlike creatures from ‘Fragile Futurity’ had grown into a grander species. Thin brass rods (from children’s umbrellas) were carefully aligned and bent to form organic constructions that gave the girls an elegant, birdlike appearance that was both fragile and strong. The gold coloured constructions in combination with elevated shoes reinforced a series of beautiful dresses in anthraa cite, black and beige leathers combined with black and deep blue raffia yarn. The combination of materials worked surprisingly well, creating an intricate textures and decorations. The more minimal dresses with altering rows of metal chains and leather showed her extreme care about minute details as well. It’s no wonder she is said to spend hours on hours in her studio working on her innovaa tive creations. Iris van Herpen was able to change ordinary materials into a precious combination, as if lead was turned into gold…
www.irisvanherpen.com
After graduating from Central St. Martins in 2002, designer Doii Lee's first job was with John Galliano, before being head hunted by Antonio Marras to work at Kenzo. In 2005, the Korean designer launched her own label, Doii Paris, which specialises in carefully hand crafted, custom made pieces that combine creative, inspiring and feminine shapes with striking fabrics and embellishments. Lee has successfully shown at Seoul and Paris Fashion Weeks, and will now debut her collection in London. Doii Lee’s collections are stocked in numerous boutiques and depa departments stores, including Isetan in Japan and also Bloomingdales in Dubai.
Bodyamr Career highlight: “Everyday is a career highlight. Everyday brings new excitement and challenges for myself and my team. Being able to do what I do and having the pleasure of collaborating with some of the industry's finest talents is truly exciting.”
Designer name: Amr Ali Origin: London
Design background: Amr studied at Chelsea College of Art and Design and Middlesex University. He set up his own label while still at college but he also worked for Nicholas Haslam, “the enigmatic interior designer who has always been helpful and extremely supportt ive of my career”.
Expectations were high for David Koma's show. The 24-year-old, from Georgia, has been catapulted into the headlines sincewinn ning the the Harrods Design award with his 2009 MA graduate collection at Central Saint Martins. Designer name: David Koma Origin: Georgia. David then grew up in Saint-Petersburg. Career highlight: “I’m looking forward to it!”
www.davidkoma.com
In the last year, his clothes have been photoo graphed on a stellar cast of Hollywood and music stars including Megan Fox, Cheryl Cole, Beyonce, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga, among others. Has it gone to his head? Is it too much too soon? Can he keep up the pace? Backstage, before his show, with Vauxhalll Fashion Scout, at the Freemason's Hall, Koma conn fessed: "It has been hard. But I'm just trying to do my best and concentrate on my work."