Embroidery in fashion AW 13

There's nothing I love more than finding a bit of high quality embroidery in Haute Couture fashion. It always feels that little bit more intricate and time consuming than embroidery on high street clothing. I was scouring the internet and found these little beauties from the Autumn Winter 13 shows.

Manish Malhotra AW 2013

I have to say these were one of my favourites for colour, pattern and stitching combinations. I would love to go to the Delhi fashion shows in person to see the garments up close but don't think that will happen anytime soon so in the meantime these pics will have to do! This first set of images come from Manish Malhotra's collection- the colour/pattern clashes work so well together.

Manish Malhotra AW 13

Manish Malhotra AW 13

Oscar de la Renta offered up a modern take on the classic ballgown with a fuschia pink gown embellished with silver thread embroidery.

Oscar de la Renta AW 13

However the most embroidery used in a fashion show award goes to... Valentino! As well as embroidery there was also a bit of lace combined with sumptuous fabrics in rich colours. Again I love that combination of traditional processes used in a modern way. Some of the patterns echo the work of William Morris.  Although, for me, the work on top of the sheer black fabric is by far my favourite. The colour just pops so well and looks intricate without being too dense. These are only a few of the garments that went down the runway...



Valentino AW13

Valentino AW13

 

Valentino AW13

 

Valentino AW13

Valentino AW13

See more of Manish Malhotra's work here. More of Oscar de la Renta's here and more of Valentino's here.

Designer Picks: Embroidered Shoes

I was rooting around online and came across the Caroline Issa collection for LK Bennett. The collection of classic heeled shoes and clutch bags is given a twist with bright embroidery and pom poms. The designs are heavily influenced by Thai embroidery in both motifs and colour palette. I thought it was quite an interesting collection for LK Bennett especially since they are normally quite a traditional brand.

 

 

Anyway, the collection got me thinking about embroidered shoes and how they have come a long way from the heavily embroidered silk shoes of Marie Antoinette's time. So many designers and artists have now come to realise the versatility of embroidery and have created some amazing pieces as a result. Here are a few i found to be very inspiring...

 

 

Raf Simons

Charlotte Olympia

Dolce and Gabanna

Richard Saja

 

I would love to own a pair of embroidered shoes but living in Scotland with our rain levels it just isn't practical!