Louise Simmonds is a London based designer who you might have seen featured in Pop and V magazine. A designer of an exciting caliber she has worked with Boudicca, N.O.K.I. and Giles Deacon.
Her first collection, entitled Alter, has that delicious gothic drama I am such a fan of. Inspired by the Italian Renaissance her pieces are simultaniously decadent, detailed and sculpted.
She even goes as far as to use ecclesiastical fabrics and antique brocade to lend authenticity to the collection, and I love the painted silk dress.
The religious reference I think has been explored just enough; not taken to far or too literally and she hasn't shirked away from presenting something completely decadent, right up to the ornate, couture headpieces. For me, I interpret the collection as being representative of the piety of medieval Kings and Queens, hence the velvets, silks and general richness.
I am equally enthralled by her sketches:
Queen Michelle
The designs and sketches are stunning! My favourite piece is the blouse in the 3rd picture, so ethereal!
Posted by: Brigadeiro | Tuesday, 27 January 2009 at 09:19
Really wonderful stuff, a masterclass in how to do goth without being goth. It's great to see some sketchbook pages too. The red velvet underneath the skirt in picture one makes it look like she's standing in a pool of blood! Inspired.
Posted by: Dave C. | Tuesday, 27 January 2009 at 10:03
I love seeing sketches and the Italian Renaissence reference is nicely executed.
Posted by: Make Do Style | Tuesday, 27 January 2009 at 11:23
I'm loving this collection, it's beautifully dramatic and your right in saying it doesn't over do any religious contexts.
Rianna Bethany xxxxxxxxxxxx
Posted by: rianna bethany | Tuesday, 27 January 2009 at 12:17
This is so me, I gasped when I typed in your blog name!!!
The stunning headpiece, the ridic ruffle-layer blouse, the black architectural ruffle collar/scarf....want. love. will marry!
thanks heaps for sharing, I adore this....will have to further investigate :)
Posted by: Anika | Tuesday, 27 January 2009 at 12:26
Wow, this girl is amazing - her websiote is filled with beautiful drawings, which would count as works of art in their own right. Stunning.
Posted by: Carl Starling | Tuesday, 27 January 2009 at 13:01
Wow, epic design and I love the styling of her shoot! x
Posted by: Frankie - Swell Vintage | Tuesday, 27 January 2009 at 14:03
Love the photos, theyre AMAZING!!
Posted by: Jodine | Tuesday, 27 January 2009 at 14:11
Im so up for anything Renaissance inspired-- especially when done this impeccably. Iam in love with the 3rd piece.. its so nice and frothy.
+
The photography is wonderful. Just wonderful.
Posted by: Valentine | Tuesday, 27 January 2009 at 15:09
I'm so enamoured with their hair and make-up, I can't even pay attention to the clothes!
Posted by: Ashe Mischief | Tuesday, 27 January 2009 at 15:23
Those sketches are absolutely magical looking. Like illustrations for a fairy story.
Posted by: Sal | Tuesday, 27 January 2009 at 15:48
Very inspired!
Posted by: WendyB | Tuesday, 27 January 2009 at 16:29
Creating beautiful, descriptive sketches like those is something I really wish I could do better. I think I'm too impatient. She has some real talent, both in her designs and art!
Posted by: AngieMontreal | Tuesday, 27 January 2009 at 16:57
Absolutely amazing. I love that she uses ecclesiastical fabric and those couture headpieces are something else.
xxx
Tiffany
Posted by: The Six Six Sick Girls | Tuesday, 27 January 2009 at 17:06
Stunning. I can imagine Queen Marie wearing some of those head pieces, with her long red hair flying.
Posted by: Sister Wolf | Tuesday, 27 January 2009 at 20:15
the organza pleating is devine..so much handy work.
xx-LJ from SOS!
Posted by: SOS! | Tuesday, 27 January 2009 at 23:22
those are some seriously gorgeous clothes! I love fashion that's really dark and creepy-looking
Posted by: Deborah | Wednesday, 28 January 2009 at 05:34
dang i love sketches
they are so inspiring to look at
and it's amazing to see the finished product compared to the sketch
Posted by: sd | Wednesday, 28 January 2009 at 05:52
She has a bit of the Eiko Ishioka about her, doesn't she?? Amazing!!!
Posted by: Tara | Friday, 30 January 2009 at 23:05