On reflection, what I realise about my trip to London is that I just needed more time. If I'd had another day there I could have fit in all the things I wanted to do. I love the city very much indeed and being back in Glasgow has made me realise it even more.
Thinking about my time there, the highs and the lows, I have concluded that even though I only saw two shows, well three if you include Krystof Strozyna, I witnessed the rapid ascent of an already rising star. Emilio de la Morena.
Initially I thought I was going to miss the show as we were on a bus stuck in traffic and the clock was tick, tick, ticking. Even though we had seats I knew that if we were late someobody else's bum would have been parked in them thus leaving us standing once more. When it became clear that the bus wasn't getting us to the venue on time, we jumped in a cab instead and told the driver to put foot his foot down. Get the Queen to the ball on time my man! And he did. I love London cab drivers!
Turned out we arrived in good time as there was actually a drinks reception thing first which gave us time to cool down and for my heart to stop racing.
Once we were ushered inside and taken to our seats we heard a Spanish voices all around us - Emilio had brought a posse! The presence of Tennessee from The Like (looking decidely bored it must be said) and her BFF Alexa Chung, who pretended to write in her note book probably so that she wasn't bothered by the press who might have noticed the massive cold sore on her face, it was clear that Emilio has 'arrived'.
When his show started we were treated to a triumphant return to Emilio at his sculptural best. Edible, juicy, fruity colours like cherry, rasperry, plum and banana yellow on buttock skimming, tight dresses. Pleated and folded panels of silk added a very hard edge to the youthful collection, and the architectural influences which Emilio loves very much were present in abundance.
There were large beaded details on the backs of dresses which lent the whole collection a very futuristic appeal. If Logan's Run was made now and featured only women then they might wear Emilio's designs.
Once we had been treated to a parade of dresses he unexpectedly delighted the audience with a pair of playful yellow knee high shorts in yellow check, teamed with a striped yellow top and a cropped yellow jacket with an oversized, pixelated houndstooth check. It was a splash of fun which went down really well with those in attendance.
The shoes, massive red suede wedges, went surpisingly well with each look.
To my eyes, it looked like Emilio has decided to make a collection entirely based on what he loves. Unfiltered, undiluted and pure with an almost complete disregard for commerciality (is that a word?), in so much as the type of person who can afford to wear his pieces might not actually be able to carry off the large architectural collars, for example. In short, it was a rebellious collection.
When I first noticed him, way back for his first collection, it was his use of colour which made me sit up and take notice, and this collection was a definite return to those initial sensibilities.
This show made my trip worth while, because I am sure I have witnessed the moment his career really took off and I am pleased I came along for the ride.
I am waiting on Emilio HQ sending me some lovely shiots but in the meantime here is the video. Enjoy.
Queen Michelle
