There’s a relaxed mood at Nicole Farhi’s AW14 presentation, the models casually chatting to each other and unceremoniously switching positions on the triangular catwalk, usually prompted by a dominant member taking the initiative. The informal ambience reflects the loose, smart-casual collection, which carries an air of bohemian nonchalance.
Aiming to offer a sense of comfort and familiarity in the midst of the recession, Creative Director Joanna Sykes delivers a restrained, flourish-free offering of natural and organic materials. Made in collaboration with several English mills, the collection is a warm, dignified and easy-going blend of subdued colours, comfy fabrics and relaxed silhouettes. Shearling and flannel – quilted, fluffy, warm – come in caramel flax, lichen, charcoal, navy and khaki. Sweaters are paired with luxe tracksuit pants, providing soft wool-on-wool combinations. Replete with silver zips and studs, a black panelled biker jacket of leather and wool stands out as the edgiest extreme of this otherwise laid-back collection.
Words: Jonathan Socrates