LFW Day 1, Corrie Nielson - An American in London

A feast for the eye, a contemporary take on an Elizabethan style

A dramatic black silk gown - she looked like she was hovering above the catwalk like a ghost!

The collection could be split into 2 halves, occasion-wear, body con and stylish above
(photos courtesy of LFW)

Power dressing for work and formal wear /day collection here
(photos courtesy of LFW)

I was very pleased to be asked to see Corrie Nielson's Autumn /Winter collection at London fashion Week. 
Fellow American in London Brix Smith the co presenter of Gok Wan's fashion styling programme was in the front row near us with fashion writer and all round mover and shaker Colin McDowell. He is a charming man, I took the opportunity of giving him my card and we had a quick chat before the show began. 
For me Corrie Nielson's collection cleverly represented two sides of women, using sexy, feminine and demure styling with Elizabethan references in silhouette and fabric manipulation. With the rich and sophisticated colour palette of burgundy, peacock blue and green for occasion wear it was stunning. This in contrast with a more masculine  architectural 1980s silhouette in blacks and greys using bold shoulder pad structure reflecting a more empowered woman as well as a calmer reference to the 1950s in cut and shape in her Day- wear group. The shoulder pads could also be influenced by Elizabethan male courtier wear - the shoulders were large!  It is telling that she was listening to 80's band Depeche Mode in her studio this season ! I can see Brix Smith in the wonderful bold 80s shoulder padded suit.
Corrie Nielson has a unique fashion hand writing that is very appealing and wearable. 
I loved this collection and can't wait to see more of Corrie's work next season.
Photography - Schelay McCarter - please credit