Julien Macdonald autumn/winter 2017 collection catwalk show for LFW

Julien Macdonald’s sparkling designs shimmied and strutted down the catwalk on men and women alike at Goldsmiths’ Hall today.

The designer drew inspiration from Fritz Lang’s masterpiece Metropolis to produce modern, architectural silhouettes that would suit a futuristic landscape. Staying true to brand, models were dressed in extravagant sequin and lace creations as they walked briskly in time to a piercing beat.

Bodycon dresses and form-fitting jumpsuits featured risqué mesh placement and thigh-high slits that captured the audience’s attention immediately. Macdonald’s trademark styles, including spider knits, sharp tailoring and haute couture gowns of embroidered tulle were apparent throughout, frequently displaying cut-out details and laddering – which left little to the imagination. A strict colour palette of black, scarlet, silver and gold shone radiantly under the spotlight.

Intricate, hand-stitched Swarovski embellishments, layered with coloured sequins, creating a three-dimensional armour-like effect in homage to surrealist artist HR Giger. This idea of amour as a second skin was also reflected in menswear: tailoring was adorned with surreal gunmetal embroidery; bomber jackets were encrusted with crystals.

Routinely – and to the crowd’s delight – Macdonald appeared on the runway to close the show. This season, he walked alongside Winnie Harlow as they acknowledged well-deserved and rapturous applause.

Rebekah Absalom
Photos: Filippo L’Astorina