Theatre de la Mode: Olympian

On the 15th July 2010 Theatre de la Mode will premier a film by Camilla Robinson a vision of Olympian Gods and the capricious behavior of humans. Characters are draped in the Spring/Summer 2011 collection from Theatre de la Mode and as the Gods and Goddesses peer dreamily down upon us, the Olympian collection is brought to life in a visual spectacle.

The premier taking place at 203 Brompton Road, is the creative vision of Christopher Kelly. As Creative Director of Theatre de la Mode Christopher is known for innovative presentations of the Theatre de la Mode collections and S/S 11 is no exception.

The film will be projected onto the ceiling, reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel playing on the theme of Gods and Goddesses. Interrupting the grandeur of the Gods are black and white scenes of human destruction on Earth, images of the wrath of Gods in stormy skies and floods are mixed with archive footage of our own attempts at Olympian athletes, circa 1930’s.

Visions of Gods and humans are cut together in a surging finale.

The Olympian collection is the materialized Vision of Camilla Robinson’s film. Inspired by the Olympian deities, the collection is made using draping, silhouettes and quilted textures. Shapes are taken from the draping of the togas but retain a structured control. Prints are inspired by John Stezaker photography collages combined with Chinese porcelain repeats and colour blocks. Combined, this creates a refined collaboration of colour and shapes.

See the whole collection here.

T d l M :: Spring / Summer 2011 :: Olympian from Theatre de la Mode on Vimeo.

Photos & text Copyright Theatre de la Mode.

Category › Christopher Kelly , Theatre de la Mode , UK designers

Theatre de la Mode: Arctic Contortion

For A/W 2011 Theatre de la Mode presents a collection that embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery. Inspired by heroic figures and classical illustrations, this season sees the reinvention of Theatre de la Mode’s signature draping, made more remarkable by the addition of slim line pieces and collaged hand crafted print.

The arctic explorer Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton, a turn of the century British hero, provides the inspiration for the oversized, utilitarian cut of the collection. A statue of the explorer outside the London headquarters of the Royal Geographical Society, perfectly displays the voluminous silhouette with protective draping that epitomizes the look of Theatre de la Mode. The style invokes an adventurous spirit, while retaining the comfort and practicality of its utilitarian foundations.

Drawing further inspiration from times past, a pencil drawn study of British birds is transformed into an imaginative, geometric crest, which becomes the central motif in the collection. More traditional drawings of a taxidermied Eider appear printed on T-shirts. Featuring throughout the range are hand painted stripes that have been collaged into triangular patterns adding a textural element to jersey and sweat pieces.

Fabrics for the season include wax coated cotton, offering a layer of protection to casual separates. A Classic brushed cotton tartan and needle corduroy add to the authentically British feel of the collection. With a mused palette of rich navy, khaki, stone grey, maroon and olive, the utilitarian look is preserved.

Theatre de la Mode Creative Director Christopher Kelly has become known for his unique take on men’s ready to wear. His oversized silhouettes demand a relaxed attitude to sophisticated style and bring a refreshing challenge to contemporary menswear.

Take a look at the entire look book here.

Photos & text Copyright Theatre de la Mode.

Category › Christopher Kelly , Theatre de la Mode , UK designers