Ashley Isham A/W11 - Semaine de la mode de Londres

Ashley Isham is a magician who, from season to season, continues to tell us a story. For Autumn/Winter 2011-2012, the designer has darkened his earlier S/S 2011 floral theme “East of Eden”.

This winter collection is all about mysterious and magic creatures emerging from the shadows of the Enchanted Forest, some dressed in rich velvets of forest green covered in luxuriant floral print, others with metallic and black long dresses, embellished with scale-like sequins and woollen lace appliqués, reminding of evil ivy enveloping its host.

Although the designer focussed on silvery tones, including for the models’ make-up, and more traditional wintery colours such as sapphire blue, deep green or venetian red, he also included spring shades of coral, turquoise, lilac and lime. The woman silhouette is enhanced in bodycon dresses or goddess-like draped jersey, transforming her in either a powerful creature of darkness or an innocent nymph. Isham said the collection was inspired by things you could find in a magical enchanted world. “I wanted my models to look like they had just returned from a journey to this forest.”

Impressive headpieces made of chop sticks, flowers and tulle, sometimes combined with a mask for more mystery, beautifully completed the silhouettes. Once again, Ashley Isham delivered what he is best known for, and these amazing dresses will for sure go straight from the enchanted forest to the red carpet.

Laurie Guillem