Clio Peppiatt spring/summer 2019 collection presentation for LFW

Inspired by the campness of John Waters’s cult film Female Trouble, Clio Peppiatt’s SS19 collection was the jungle meets early-millennium Paris Hilton. 

In a call to the wild, chartreuse, grass green and lime were the colours of choice for a textured faux snakeskin or crocodile Macintosh, straight-legged trouser or tailored jacket and pleated mini skirt co-ord. The occasional pop of fuchsia and violet made for a delightfully vivid clash. 

The reptilian jacquards and lavish taffetas were bejewelled with intricate beading and dazzling Swarovski crystals. Slinky cowl-neck spaghetti strap tops were strung together in a net of rhinestones. 

Some motifs were seemingly inspired by sorceresses or voodoo queens. Stars and moons loomed over a jet black calf-length dress. Shimmering serpents coiled around the waists of a skirt, climbed up a jacket and slithered up a trouser leg. Angelic cherubs were appliquéd onto bags and dresses. 

In the same spirit, giant beaded safety pins fastened a thigh-high split in a pencil skirt, blurring the lines between functionality and glamour. Peppiatt had minute detail down to a T – tiny “lover’s eyes” glimmered in lacework embroidery and on robes like a constellation. A curiously alluring juxtaposition of strangeness and charm.