Multiple references to London were present in John Galliano’s Spring / Summer 2016 collection this year, designed by Bill Gaytten. We see instantly recognisable classic Brit check patterns, hard helmets very similar to those seen outside Buckingham Palace and doubled breasted blazers distinctive to that of horse guard jackets. Quite the contrast to the frilly, lacy, delicate dresses worn underneath and more typical of Gaytten.
The juxtaposition between the masculine, almost militaria side of the collection and the feminine, flowing garments on the other is perhaps in itself an acknowledgment of contemporary Londoner’s style. London is often associated with an edgier, more daring outlook than that of say, Paris. Of course, the catwalk was alive with the sound of Beatles classic ‘Twist and Shout’, as if there were any doubts that this collection was not nodding heavily at British traditions.
Jessie Gardiner
Illustrations: Robson Stannard
