Queen’s frontman Adam Lambert made for a dramatic score during designer Harris Reed’s first walking catwalk in Moorgate, as London Fashion kicked off last night.
Concluding the first day of shows, Reed ramped up his dramatic silhouettes in varied, saturated jewel tones for what was an all out theatrical runway.
“Queen was always my all-time favourite band,” said Harris, in a flurry of excitement post show. “With the Queen passing, and Queen playing at the Jubilee, it felt very appropriate.”
His signature, vast sculptural headpieces came in pop-pink, gold and sequin-strewn, punctuated by new polka-dot tailoring and huge, hula-hoop shaped ball gowns. One chunky, silver necklace doubled as a bespoke top made in collaboration with jewellery brand Missoma. Reed, who found success with his gold jewellery designs in collaboration with the company, yesterday launched his first silver collection for the brand which is on sale now. The showpiece made a nod to the new designs, blowing up the pearl-heavy star and moon motifs which were paired with a sequinned, mermaid skirt.
“My biggest criticism is that people love [my designs], but it’s so far away. We want to touch and feel it,” he said. Guests at the intimate showcase, which saw Sam Smith, Kim Petras and Yasmin Finney front row, were certainly in on the action. “I wanted people to be literally hit in the face, and some where. So I think I did my job well.”
There were familiar faces on the catwalk, too. Alva Claire stepped out in a fuchsia, draped gown and thigh high latex black boots, while model Ikram Abdi Omar was vision in a black velvet, fishtail frock. But it was Lily McMenamy, daughter of American supermodel Kristen, who closed the show in graceful style. Gliding down as a ballet-style, corseted bride, she wore a white satin, wired tutu skirt, fanned headpiece and was followed by a thin, tulle trail.
To finish, she joined the bright coloured ensemble for Harris Reed’s finale, SS23 tableau in front of draped, red velvet curtains as Lambert belted “Who wants to live forever?”
