LFW Diary AW12: Kirsty Ward

A designer whose bold silhouettes, originality and statement jewellery I adore is Kirsty Ward who is set to debut her AW12 collection during Paris Fashion Week.

Staying true to the signature aesthetic that fans and press alike have come to love over the past three seasons, Ward has opted for clean lines, minimalist shapes and defined structures, incorporating tabards and apron fronts; adding an additional layer and extra length to dresses, skirts and shorts.

Utilising a simple and modest colour palette of grey, white and black, greens and pinks are carefully placed – primarily in the form of embellishment – to inject some soul into the most clinical of Ward’s collections to date.

Doubling up as a blank canvas on which to promote Ward’s intricate and ornate jewellery garments embody a collection of two halves and a master-class in the art of balancing restraint with indulgence.

Working with print for the first season the results are breathtaking, further establishing Ward as an all-round designer who greatly deserves the many accolades and plaudits she has garnered since founding her eponymous label in 2010.

Oversized abstract images dominate, seeing fabric detailing and prints of instantly recognisable jewellery components emblazoning silk vests and tunics. Once more Ward has renewed her ongoing collaboration with Swarovski Crystallized Elements to fuse her fashion and jewellery design skills, embellishing often overlooked functional areas such as fastenings and arm holes through to the front panels of dresses.

A designer whose collections I look forward to seeing each season, Ward embodies the three keys to great design; bold cut, defined structure and powerful embellishment – this year’s graduates should take note.

Images throughout courtesy of Kirsty Ward:
Photography: Martin Zahringer
Styling: Victoria Sekrier (Fashion Ed at SIX Magazine)
Hair: Banksy
Make up: Natilie Piacun
Model: Olga @ Profile