Natasha Zinko: Fairies at Vauxhall Fashion Scout LFW fashion

Review by Sarah Marie

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

Natasha Zinko

Sweet and Elegant S/S 14 Collection

Entering the grand art deco building that is Freemasons’ Hall on 16th September 2013; I along with many other excited photographers, reporters and fashionistas awaited the impending collection of the London based designer, Natasha Zinko.

The imposing interior of the Grade II listed building with its stunning architecture and stain glassed windows was perfectly harmonised by Natasha’s setting for her spring and summer designs. Forsaking the idea of a runway show, Natasha instead opted for a white gazebo platform intricately intertwined with greenery and beautiful flowers. Lovely arches were festooned with oversized drooping flower/snowdrop designs as the models positioned themselves around this atypical yet welcomed, attractive centre piece.

Greeted with a gold rimmed glass of champagne guests happily wandered the surroundings, moving round to view each angle of the focal point. The designs that occupied the gazebo were almost fairy like; sweet, elegant and beautiful. The patterns were minimal and simple, gingham checks and stripes, with candy colours tones of lavender, blue blush, ivory, black and white. Lattice like lace embellishments were a prominent feature in several dresses and a pair of lovely high waisted shorts. The use of crinolines, made from different combination of materials of tweeds, smooth silk and corset-like boning to hold them together, creating rigid skirts and dresses that consequently accentuate a nipped in feminine design. The array of textures balanced perfectly in the collection.

Natasha’s approach and proclivity is to highlight best assets in an elegant yet sensual way; her S/S14 designs focus on revealing the shoulder blades and back in a cute yet perfectly provocative manner. See through chiffon layered over a micro mini created floor skimming skirts that demurely exposed skin, contributing to the seductive, ladylike silhouettes of the clothes.

The accessories were kept graceful and flirty with minimal jewellery and black or nude ankle-strap heels. Little hats not too dissimilar from those of an air hostess’ uniform were placed atop soft flowing curls. The models’ look matched that of the girlish, cute surroundings, wearing loose curls sultry make-up, and cerise pink lips as they engaged with the photographers.

The ambience was that of a high fashion summer garden party. Sophisticated sexy 1940’s combined with an innocent fairy like aura; Natasha’s Russian heritage was also evident throughout in creating the atmosphere. Described as ‘decadent’ Natasha’s show invited the viewer into a dreamy atmosphere, displaying beauty, sweetness and elegance all at once. The unique implementation of the show was flawless.

See also Natasha Zinko SS14 review by Marianthe Smart.