Strong Island were invited along to cover the first show of Southsea Fashion week. We attended the ready to wear and demi-couture collection at Portsmouth Cathedral.
We arrived early to check out the hustle and bustle of the back stage area located in Cathedral House, the energy, nerves and enthusiasm were palpable as models and designers bustled about. Rehearsals of the show were taking place as models lined up to hit the catwalk which was located in the stunning nave of the Cathedral. Already I knew this wouldn’t be any ordinary event, so much thought had gone into all the details of the show. A big thank you to SSFW for supplying Strong Island with a front row seat which also came with a goody bag supplied by Lush. Extras like this really did give an air of sophistication and professionalism to the evening.
Some stand out designs for me came from Jessie Potter, Mia Mai and Sef Farrugia.
Jessie Potter was the first designer to show her collection, always difficult to be first but the blast of rich colours and textures didn’t disappoint. Glorious patchwork, dip dyed hems, giant pom poms and layers of embellishment including stuffed fabric hearts. Once the flow was established Mia Mai showed her lingerie collection. A hint of boudoir, a nod to pin-up, elegant and very flattering, not a hideous thong insight! The collection was very wearable and I would defy any women not to wear a piece and feel every inch a glamorous femme fatale. Before the show halted for an interval with much needed refreshment courtesy of LJR’s it was the turn of Sef Farrugia. Sef’s pieces wowed from beginning to end. Models all sported elegant printed silk headscarves accompanied by pencil skirts, beautiful knit wear and tweed’s. Lots of designs featured geometric prints which are very contemporary and Im sure we will be seeing them in the coming seasons. I also loved the chic capri pants teamed with bustiers edged with piping.
The whole weekend was a success and I hope it becomes an annual fixture on the Southsea calendar. A massive thank you to the whole team who made us feel so welcome.
All photography by Josh Knill.
Ami
29 August
Awesome write up, thank you lovely!
Same time next year?
x
Andrew Paul Hayward
30 August
Really great demonstration of an alternative use of space