Boo Pala spring/summer 2018 collection presentation for LFW

Titled Symbols and Treasures, Boo Pala’s Spring / Summer 2018 offering was, right off the bat, reminiscent of a childhood summer. Aiming to bring the viewer closer to her as an artist, Boo conveyed how hidden symbols and physical emblems in our clothing present a narrative from different phases in our lives. 

Pala’s concept was evident in the colours, shapes and silhouettes of the collection, as she returned to a brighter palette of a summer garden to reflect joyous memories. This personal warmth radiated through the consistent, singular theme with ladybirds, woven picnic blankets, the languid simplicity and freedom of enjoying summer as a child all springing to mind.

Scarlet was the hue used in a silky button-up gown, with clothes hangers formed in stitching cascading down one side. Scarlet was also a glimmer in the screen print of a ladybird, the canvas for a structured top with puffed sleeves, as well as an oriental-cut dress with a mandarin collar.

The subtle Oriental tailoring, perhaps an homage to Pala’s native Turkey, was also demonstrated in a dove-white silk button-up dress with an asymmetric hem, which was accompanied by a woven multicolour hobo bag, brilliantly abrasive against the gentleness of the dress.

The same rainbow of colour was woven into a one-shoulder top and midi skirt, the main source of texture in the minimal and masculine shapes of the capsule collection. The piece that took centre-stage was a silver-threaded jacket, its appearance almost liquid as a semi-opaque fabric.

Isobel Bridgwood
Photos:Huw Jenkins