Ashley Isham spring/summer 2017 collection catwalk show for LFW
Immersive beach disco? Meta fashion show experience? These questions, amongst others, were bouncing around guests at Ashley Isham’s SS17 show at the Freemasons’ Hall; ducking to their seats, extra care had to be taken not to fall over the limbs of various Isham models strewn across the floor. Inflatable pool toys provided, umbrellas to hand, the show kicked off with the models dressing themselves over their swimwear in bold pool robes and shorts. Most LFW shows begin with the models already dressed, but then Isham is not generally one for toeing the line. 
For the menswear line, Isham went bold. Large geometric and floral prints were deployed on shorts, tank tops and baseball jackets – often together in brash, clashing combinations – with mesh trucker hats perched on top. Along with the occasional casual necklace, menswear looks were finished off with large pom-pom features hanging on either side of hats like faux earrings. 
If the intention was to play with gender stereotypes and the aesthetics expected of men and women in spring and summer, Isham certainly succeeded. His deliberate overuse of prints for the menswear line was counterbalanced by a refreshing restraint in his womenswear collection. The female Isham consumer, who tends to be bombarded by designers with florals come spring, can instead choose from a range of block colour trousers and jumpsuits. These were paired, as seems to be Isham’s want this season, with 80s visors and hoop earring edged with livid orange pom-poms. 
This is not to say that prints did not feature at all in the womenswear line. Diagonal diamond bodysuits and cropped tops appeared with the more muted pieces, creating a balance amongst the vivid palette. Gorgeous floating beach robes, emblazoned with the same print as seen in the menswear collection, were available for those seeking their fix of florals. 
Undeniably the pinnacle of the show, however, were the womenswear gowns. Crochet-effect floor length dresses, with cut-out side panels compensated for the absence of flowers elsewhere. A gold beaded, strapless gown (worn, of course, with a visor) drew eyes from each of the two runways.
For those seeking a statement designer piece next season, you won’t find a better contender than Isham.
Katie Dean
Photos: Melissa Williams
For further information about Ashley Isham visit here.
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