THE penultimate day of London Fashion Week got off to a lovely start courtesy of design duo Peter Pilotto and Christopher de Vos – more commonly known as just Peter Pilotto.
Anna Dello Russo sported yellow sequins in the front row for the designers’ spring/summer 2012 collection which drew its inspiration from a recent trek to Indonesia – “an incredible journey that gave us the opportunity to experience the awesome natural environment of java; the lush jungles; the tea, coffee, cacao, and clove plantations, and to see the volcanic craters and sulphuric plumes of smoke first-hand,” said the designers.
And all of this erupted out into their signature dresses – this time comprised from landscapes of fauna and leaf print in neon shades to create a psychedelic nod to flower power. Peter Pilotto is known for its prints – that’s what it’s about, but today a new dimension was added through embroidery and beading – crystals encrusting necklines and skirts, PVC leaves unfurling elsewhere and broderie anglaise and lame strips putting in an appearance too.
And all of these new experiences seemed to have rubbed off on the duo more than we first thought – awakening them to new shapes and silhouettes also. So skirt shapes on their classic dresses were stronger and built out into poufy clouds like ball gown or prom dresses, or boasted peplum cascades to create a volume we were not so familiar seeing from them. It was a fitting match for the bold and bright prints beneath.
Peter Pilotto is one of those labels that right now leads the new wave of fashion lights – along with David Koma and Mary Katrantzou. This collection – which also marked a new collaboration with stylist and swimwear designer Lisa-Marie Fernandez – will enhance that some more.
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