Plastic Seconds: Ella Dror Pr Press Day AW12

Saturday

Ella Dror Pr Press Day AW12

So in the beginning of April I had once again the chance to go to an Ella Dror PR Press Day. I always grab the opportunity as Ella Dror PR represents some of my favorite designers and it is such a pleasure to see their designs up close. This time the event seemed really well organised and when I arrived I was immediately approached by a girl, welcomed and offered a gorgeous tea. The Swarovski Lounge was merrily decorated - by art director Alun Davies - with Easter themed touches and humorous details such as this naked Barbie doll on a pony...

One of my favorite bits was the hattastic installation displaying the designs by one of my favourite milliners ever, Piers Atkinson. I think this season's best design is the one with the lion soft toy - genius.

Piers Atkinson AW12 at Ella Dror PR Press Day photo by Maria Papadimitriou

Next it was great to see some Charilie Le Mindu! I urge you to watch the video of his AW12 collection on the homepage of his website, it is delicious fun.

Charlie Le Mindu AW12 at Ella Dror PR Press Day photo by Maria Papadimitriou

Bernhard Willhelm was a new discovery for which I am so pleased! This man is really really talented and this photo here does not do justice to his work - though I did like this neckpiece very much - so go over to his beautiful website to see the lush way in which he puts outfits together, the way he combines them with glorious hair and make up and also the way he displays his designs in the exhibitions section.

Bernhard Willhelm AW12 at Ella Dror Pr Press Day photo by Maria Papadimitriou

Another interdisciplinary designer represented by Ella Dror PR is Margot Bowman, whose illustrations give new life to old vintage items in a cool and quirky way.

Margot Bowman AW12 - on a Scussi Gianfranco leather jacket - at Ella Dror PR press day photo by Maria Papadimitriou

Margot Bowman AW12 - on a Balenciaga jacket - at the Ella Dror PR Press Day photo by Maria Papadimitriou

Also in terms of great new discoveries, check out these gorgeous shoes by recent London College of Fashion MA Footwear graduate Vivian Ying who also just did an AW12 capsule collection for Zandra Rhodes.

Vivian Ying SS13 at Ella Dror PR press day photo by Maria Papadimitriou

I have admired art director and set designer Alun Davies for quite sometime now and here are some of his props...

Alun Davies at the Ella Dror PR press day photo by Maria Papadimitriou

Of course I also loved Alex Noble's beautiful prints on yummy catsuits. I particularly liked his A3 fold out look book with images from a simple yet great installation, so I had to scan some of it and show you.

Alex Noble AW12 print at the Ella Dror PR press day photo by Maria Papadimitirou

page from Alex Noble's AW12 look book

Fred Butler AW12 designs were there too... but I have talked a bit about my love of them in my review of her presentation in Amelia's Magazine, where you can also see better images.