Official AW14 Blogger – Amanda Wakeley Catwalk

Going Crazy for Amanda Wakeley

Vodafone London Fashion Weekend saw the return of celebrity favourite, Amanda Wakeley. Her structured silhouettes and clean-cut style mean she’s become somewhat of a go-to designer amongst the rich and famous for her wearable and glamorous designs. Her acclaimed ready-to-wear collections are admired all over the world, with a ‘clean glam’ aesthetic ethos that combines luxury with impeccable cut, fit and effortless femininity.

Her AW14 collection used paired-down hues - think blacks, browns and greys – with elements of chiffon and print. The addition of the leather meant a rough, raw edge was achieved. Speaking with the designer on stage, Angela Scanlon unraveled the intentions behind the collection, with Wakeley declaring “I’ve always loved to add a bit of an edge to it – whether it’s a strong bridal leather belt or something just to, you know, a really powerful shoe to make it a bit more edgy”.

Proving her collections are timeless as well as captivating in inspiration, Wakeley went on to describe the original ideas behind to collection, citing corsetry as a major focus. This then lead to the exploration of the “full blown Japanese warrior woman” – something that is evident through strong design details.

“You’ll see some really beautiful knotted Shibari inspired harnesses”. Shibari is a traditional Japanese way of knotting rope artistically around the body. “A very sensual way of knotting rope around your lover” as the designer put it. In short, bondage! The collection certainly featured elements of this technique subtly incorporated into the garments, which made for interesting visual interpretation.

Asked how she has survived 25 years in an industry littered with people who cant quite make it work, Wakeley replied bluntly “perseverance and a real passion for what I do”. With a real focus and energy around British Fashion at the moment, the new collection oozed timeless classics aswell as more daring combinations – including leather trousers and oversized knits.

Amanda Wakeley certainly showed her versatility as a designer, expressing her desire to create clothes that make women feel important. “I love seeing women transformed by their clothes and empowered by them”.

So what is next for Amanda Wakeley? Perhaps a lifestyle brand is in the pipeline, but also a delicious range of new handbags – one of which the designer sported in the interview. Watch this space!

By: Jessica Duke
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