Kiwi designer Karen Walker has wowed London Fashion Week again with her latest collection, ‘Liberal & Miserable’, shown at the Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane.
The collection, for Autumn/Winter 2004/2005, was Walker’s take on the “Manhattan’s Girl”, as seen in Woody Allen's films in the 1970s (e.g. 'Annie Hall').
"Every show should be the best but I truly think this one was because we successfully went from the cool, underground vibe to a slicker, slightly bigger level which was very exciting," said Walker.
Karen continued her fascination with, and celebration of, the outsider for this collection by taking a look at the archetypal intellectual and dissatisfied 1970s Manhattan girl like Woody Allen's pretty yet neurotic girlfriend in the film 'Annie Hall'.
These girls are characterised as women who suffer from the curse of the chattering classes - high strung, complex and intellectual; who finds it hard to have relationships because she's so damn critical of everything. A post modern in love.
The Look:
Suits are a key element in Karen’s ‘Liberal & Miserable’ collection, with fitting jackets, nipped in waist coats, long, wide leg trousers and knee length pleated skirts all in mismatching brown corduroys. Other key aspects of the look include…
- A silhouette that’s pinched in at the waist and narrow through the shoulder.
- Floaty chiffon skating dresses in bright solids.
- Fitting denim and Karen Walker's famous T-shirt and sweatshirt graphics.
- Graphics feature 'Sesame Street' style happy characters made of books and letters.
- Earthy browns take the lead with highlights of scarlet red and electric blue as well as softer peach.
- Fabrics cover textured corduroys, super chunky coating, crisp cottons, soft rayons and floaty chiffons.
Accessories also come into play featuring coloured enamel badges of the season's signature book and letter characters and also a range of necklaces featuring a 'K is for ... ' series of pendants.
What the Media Said: "As usual, the collection hits the spot; it was a great show"
David Lamb, Fashion Editor, i-D Magazine
"I can't wait to shoot it ALL"
Merryn Leslie, Contributing Fashion Editor, i-D Magazine
"I love it; don't know what to pick for myself as there is so much I want as usual"
Justine Gilbert, Fashion Stylist, The Guardian
Kiwi designer Karen Walker has wowed London Fashion Week again with her latest collection, ‘Liberal & Miserable’, shown at the Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane.