LOUISE SIMMONDS

Louise Simmonds is a London based fashion designer who has worked for N.O.K.I, Geraldine Larkin, also assisting Giles Deacon, Boudicca and Wonderland. As well as her first collection being featured on Vogue.com features in POP and V magazine and fashion on the edge.com. She also continues to work on many editorial shoots, advertising campaigns and music videos. Louise’s first collection is sumptuous, with a dark beauty for a confident and strong woman. Also a fan of millinery, she worked with Millinery godess and former tutor to Stephen Jones and Philip Tracey, Shirley hex. Under the wing of Shirley Louise produced a limited edition range of couture hats and accessories , featuring hand embroiderd leather and crystal studded gloves. The collection, Altar , is inspired by religious art of the Italian renaissance. Masters in light and form such as Caravaggio and Da Vinci have informed a rich yet worn colour palette with flashes of luminosity. Ecclesiastical fabrics are recontextualised, referencing the individual history attached to each piece. Authentic textiles include a 200year old gold brocade vestment and 111 year old Italian metal work lace. This attention to detail is carried through with the craftsmanship of the fabric treatments. Velvets and silks are painted in reference to the decaying splendour of the Sistine chapel. Ornamentation and filigree work has been translated into contemporary appliqué and embroideries. The silhouettes evolve through the collection, inspired by the process of religion as well as the static image. Garments such as the softly sculpted swaddling skirt are taken form the lengths of fabric used to swaddle the young Christ. Restriction of the gaze is incorporated in the veiling of the body. Garments, with delicate multi layering to create a ghostly silhouette sit in harmony against strong floor skimming sculpted pieces.