It was a monochrome, mod-inspired collection which was sent down the runway at PPQ’s AW14 show, held at the glamorous Sanderson Hotel. The catwalk, which snaked around a Japanese garden dotted with glowing candles, continued into the hotel corridors where show-goers stood behind the bar, drinks in hand, giggling as the models tried unsuccessfully to navigate the twists and turns of the long runway.
Despite logistical problems, PPQ’s playful, overwhelmingly black and white collection innovated through an array of tactile fabrics. Fluffed-up fur edging lined strapless LBDs, white silken party dresses and adorned the tops of heeled laced boots, while contrasting black patent was spotted on a-line minis, matching bomber jackets and skinny trousers. Belted mohair cardigans added a softer, more feminine appeal to the high-shine fabrics and strict structure, and small hints of florals were seen on silken t-shirts, paired with metallic minis.
60s beehives, Jackie-O sunglasses and timeless camel coats completed the Audrey Hepburn-style Hollywood glamour, adding a grown-up elegance to the youthful, leg-baring minis and contemporary sex appeal of patent.
Words: Joy Starkey