Fashion has always had a thing for carnivals and the circus. Just look at those dangerous heights models death-defy once and again over catwalks! But it had been a long time since we’d seen the circus style influence designers this much. Valentino, Tsumori Chisato, Issa o Matthew Williamson are a few of the designers who have put ‘colourful and fun’ back on stage this Fall season.
Fashion has always had a thing for carnivals and the circus. Just look at those dangerous heights models death-defy once and again over catwalks! But it had been a long time since we’d seen the circus style influence designers this much. Valentino, Tsumori Chisato, Issa o Matthew Williamson are a few of the designers who have put ‘colourful and fun’ back on stage this Fall season.
Images: Manish Arora
According to Manish Arora, one of the great defenders of this trend, it’s all about finding the perfect balance between commercial and fantasy. Fierce colours, funky accessories, bold prints, expressive art and blown up items have become the firm’s signature.
Images: Jessica Lange in a scene in “American Horror Story: Freak Show”
“American Horror Story: Freak Show”, the third edition of the hit horror show is focused on this theme. Jessica Lange, the lead role, was actually the one who brought the subject to the attention of the creators, given her fascination in the unusual world of travelling sideshows.
Images: Valentino, Fall 2014-2015
Valentino‘s wondrous collection for Fall 2014-2015 collection has shown a lot of contrast. On one side, simple and moderate looks; and on the other, designs with vibrant colours and striking patterns, perhaps using the contrast to embellish both alternatives.
Images: Tsumori Chisato, Fall 2014-2015
Anyone familiar with Tsumori Chisato‘s universe knows she always chooses a different geographic theme each season. The Japanese designer’s Fall 2014-2015 is filled with animal references as well as a trip back to the 1920s and 1950s. We are loving this jazz-jungle age.
Images: Issa, Fall 2014-2015
In her first collection as creative director of Issa, Blue Farrier added some British eccentricity into this brand known for its Brazilian approach. She took a few risk with her color palette, this is what we like most along with the oversize coats and the polka dot patterns
Images: Matthew Williamson, Fall 2014-2015
The ostrich-feather dresses are about as carnival-ish as you can get. Backstage, Williamson explained that they required a burning process and were the “most expensive dresses I ever produced.”
Anything to beat those winter blues :).
