Bora Aksu autumn/winter 2017 collection catwalk show for LFW

Turkish designer Bora Aksu provided a refreshing contrast to the flamboyant shows of the first day of LFW 2017 with an ethereal femininity and pastel palette for his autumn/winter collection.

The critically acclaimed signature style that saw Bora Aksu shoot to fame over a decade ago did not disappoint. Drawing on the history of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, Queen Victoria’s goddaughter and a lesser known suffragette who fought for the women’s vote alongside Emmeline Pankhurst, the distinctive aesthetic was that of early 20^th century dress. Invites depicted marching women holding “peace” and “freedom” signs, bringing a romanticised vision of the feminist movement of the past into its tumultuous present.

The show space at the British Fashion Council was filled with fresh faced models displaying delicate, flowing, frilled lace vintage-look frocks, accompanied with ribbon round the chin bonnets. Granny-chic knits combined beige with baby blues, pinks and yellows and were worn contrastingly over floor length skirts. Layers of fabrics, some sheer, some lace, gave the effect of numerous petticoats and a loose, prudish fit.

Uniform laced black boots were heavy against the light tone and fabrics but reinforced the historical look and added an assertive edge to an otherwise pretty innocence.

The collection exuded an antiquated romanticism that is quietly seductive in the skin laid bare by its delicate fabrics.

Sarah Bradbury
Photos: Simon Armstrong

For further information about Bora Aksu visit here.