RAFW Runway Report: Kate Sylvester Spring/Summer 2010

A euphonic voice booms across the room informing attendees that they are welcome to move forward into any empty seats save for those in the front row. Like a madwoman, I dive ahead and mark my spot. Is it tacky? Yes. Is it worth it because I happen to be 5’2 and this is a freaking Kate Sylvester show and therefore clear viewing is imperative? HELL yes. The spectacular getups streaming down the runway confirm that being able to see far outweighs the need for discretion. In fact, this is my new mantra for RAFW 2010.

Anyhow, onto the collection! Kate Sylvester’s latest collection is a romantic, bohemian delight full of milky, creamy hues, florals, starched collars, and bows. Kicking off with an adorable white number accessorised with a darling bow as ‘VCR’ by the XX played in the background, it quickly became evident that ‘This Charming Man’ would be a sure hit.

Incorporating the very à la mode tan leather, Sylvester whipped up some highly impressive leather skirts, tops and uber short shorts. The soft caramel shade kept the leather in line with the delicate, dreamy aesthetic of the rest of the garments.

In my opinion, it was many of the accessories and embellishments that truly made the outfits. The stiff, separate collars and the giant sash bows elevated many of the looks from great to tremendous. The corsages also generated a wonderfully nostalgic vibe. However, not all of the accessories were girlish and sweet, with gartered socks keeping the ensembles from being engulfed in an abyss of sugariness.

As for prints and colours, the show was a parade of florals, lace, and mellow faded hues with a few exceptions. Perhaps it is just me, as is so often the case, but do the outfits not look like Katherine Mansfield characters in vestmental form? From the apple green dress to the cosy grey cardigan, the garments seem to be imbued with garden party flavours and memories of balls.

And while there were too many choice garments, my top picks were two stunning shift dresses – one a gorgeous grey number with a floral feature on the front and the other a refreshingly simply Celine-esque leather and ivory creation.

So, ladies, if you will excuse me, I must dash off to devise a way to save my pennies for, come summer, I plan on living exclusively in ‘This Charming Man.’

Visit our Flickr site for images of the full runway collection. We update our galleries every few hours! : http://www.flickr.com/photos/designerdirection/

Review by: Kelly Jin
Photography: Edward Hor