The catwalk or ‘stage’ was set at London White Gallery with
a sketched backdrop (designed by Ian Stuart himself) of a grand Parisian style ballroom
recreating the atmosphere of the exclusive haute couture salon shows of the
1950s. Petals floating down brought a touch of magical romance as the model brides
glided down the catwalk showcasing Ian Stuart’s 2014 ‘Frill Me!’ collection.
Epitomising this glamorous 50s haute couture style was the
Dioresque Petal Privee gown with its full tulle New Look style skirt and cinched
in waist worn with a wide brimmed saucer shaped hat positioned jauntily over one
eye. Inspired by Dior’s famous Venus evening gown (1949), Stuart’s honey
coloured Petal Privee is adorned with a peplum of petal shaped layers in
taffeta, embellished with metallic beaded lace and which gradual cascades down
the back into one large petal.
Headpieces feature in more of Stuart’s designs presenting the
graceful aura of the Royal Ascot My Fair Lady style. The cotton lace Academy
creates a cool slim line silhouette adorned with an asymmetrical garland strap
of ‘English’ roses continuing across the front and down the back of the gown. Another Royal Ascot style is the Vivaldi. Wide
sinuous folds in Mikado fabric are layered over the gown creating a dramatic
explosion of architectural tiers in the palest of powder blue, whilst the heart
shaped bodice is softened with romantic ivory floral lace.
The collection also includes shorter dresses with the multi
layered Tippi dress very much in the style of the longer Vivaldi. The short
version of the Mocaccino brings a playful and sunny cosmopolitan look with its handmade
ruffled rosettes and A line skirt, and the short Cocorico creates a sexier
silhouette. Its tightly ruched folds hugs
the figure whilst the embellished hem of flowers, tulle and petals kicks up
teasingly as the model walks.
Displaying an abundant of frothy frills is the voluminous
tulle skirted Caracasa with its helter skelter layers edged in ribbon. All emphasised with a nipped in waist and
fitted heart shaped bodice in dark ivory.
The finale gown takes on a gentile romantic nature with more
of a ‘Swoon Me’ than the frivolous frill.
Aptly named Gainsborough, the gown is a work of art richly embellished with
cascading garlands of multi flowers, beaded metallic lace and lavish pickups
with a scattering of floral corsages. All in a vintage shade of rose pink.
Stuart has dedicated the collection to his mother Everdina
Sophia Carolina Van Eede 1932-2013
By Karen Grace
Personal Shopper & Image Consultant for Frumpy to Funky http://www.frumpytofunky.com 
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