Paul Costelloe’s show at London Fashion Week A/W 2015 was an absolute favorite of mine. Located at Waldorf Hotel, the ambience was two tiers of elegance with gilded banisters curving into staircases and glowing “street” lamps. The music went from an eccentric Celtic(?) tune to a somewhat French beat, which lent perfectly to his fall line of heavier tweeds mixed with damask and almost Rococo sleeves. With the models sporting the Gibson girl hair minus the topknot, I adored the influence of the pre-1900’s. It is a delight to see that kind of drama and romance in garments that are both cheerful and wearable. His coats are a definite statement piece for next Winter.
Favorite Looks
I couldn’t get enough of his elaborate shoulder pieces. I have been wanting more drama in wearable garments and I think I found it. Less dramatic but just as fabulous are his delicious coats in weaved patterns as well as solid neutrals like black and blushy pink. And a must for a few of my clients are his cropped tweed blazers. Lighter than the traditional Chanel, they are more like a bolero. He paired them gorgeously with full high-waisted skirts.
Style Right Away (In the chilly cities)
Although you can’t tell from the pictures, the tights paired with a lot of the looks are bright indigo and deep red. He has managed to make bright tights not only fashion forward, but grown up as well. Sold generally at American Apparel, I am so used to seeing them paired in trendy child ways with a rainbow bright flare. It was refreshing and inspiring to see them in a mature light. I also love the use of white tights. I haven’t worn those since I was five.
Shop your closet or favorite store for a patterned coat and pick your tights based on one of the brighter colors in the print. I found a Stella McCartney coat here and some Nordstrom bright blue tights that would be perfect for a mature bright tights look.