Sophia Webster London Fashion Week FW18
Sophia Webster’s Autumn/Winter 2018 collection ‘I Don’t Need A Mango To Tango’ embodies the opulent, vibrant and intensely competitive world of ballroom and Latin dance. Taking inspiration from one of Sophia’s favourite films, Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom, Sophia explores this exaggerated world bursting with feathers, sequins and colour. The flamboyant character, Tina Sparkle, inspired crystal fruit embellishments set against gold laser-cut uppers as well as beaded tassel sandals of chartreuse and hot pink satins.
This season also reflects a passionate, feminine, Latin undercurrent, with dramatic laser cut ruffles on suede, fluid undulations of satin, embroidered textures and black lace panelling, all taking reference from Spanish flamenco dresses and fans.
Sophia Webster: London FW18
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In her youth Sophia danced competitively at Blackpool Tower ballroom and its famous gilt, Rococo ceiling has inspired a host of strappy peep toe sandals. To evoke this historic space in London, the presentation is taking place at Hotel Café Royal’s sumptuous Pompadour Ballroom, the perfect backdrop to the collection.
Dazzling crystal encrusted products are displayed in trophy cabinets and on trophy plinths, whilst sequin clad models pose on winner’s podiums. A giant rotating glitter ball, shimmer curtains and sumptuous drapes provide a wonderful backdrop to her studded, feathery lattice sandals. In the movie Strictly Ballroom, the heroine and hero dance on a terrace beneath a Coca-Cola billboard; this scene is recreated for the show with professional Latin dancers and it provoked a sparkling collaboration between Sophia Webster and Coca-Cola, featuring two footwear silhouettes and a clutch crystallised in its signature Coca-Cola red.
Patti Wilson leads the style vision with garments inspired by Sophia’s designs and glittering Latin dance costumes. The garments, created by Christian Cowan, capture the sassy edge of the competitive dance scene and perfectly compliment the crystals, feathers, embellishments and feminine drama of the collection. Sophia’s one-off signature speech bubble bags appear throughout the show featuring new design details including gold disco-ball kiss locks and ornate rococo handles.
“The collection and show theme this season is very close to my heart as I grew up with competitive dancing. Dance costumes have to be made in striking colour combinations, sequins and crystals to attract the attention of judges, and I loved bringing all this to life in AW18. There is endless inspiration to create a bold and spirited collection, which is at the same time sexy, feminine and wearable.”” — Sophia Webster
VIP guests included Olivia Palermo, Susie Lau, Camille Charrière, Sinead Harnett, Nicola Roberts and Alice Naylor-Leyland.
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With love,
FWO
