LFW 2011 : Behind-the-scenes at Christian Blanken

Last Tuesday, I was invited to attend the Christian Blanken show, and go backstage, for a more in depth view. The stunning Portico Rooms at Somerset House, was the stage for Christian Blanken's  A/W 2011 presentation. Backstage was relatively calm, and quiet (perhaps because it was 7 in the morning?). 

Hair and make-up were set up, and ready to get the day started. Hair was done by Kevin Murphy's team, and the hairstyle for the day, was a slicked back ponytail, with a middle parting. Make-up was done by the legendary Adam De Cruz, who's worked with Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, David Beckham etc. His work has also been published in Vogue China & Australia, Marie Claire, Harpers Bazaar and many more. The make-up look for the day, was an intense modern smokey eye, with vibrant hues of electric blue.

As everyone got on with their work, I was able to speak with most of the models, who were really friendly. Watching their transformation, was fascinating! They all came in chic casual wear, and wore flats, which made them seem average height (when they get into their stiletto's it was a different story), but they're normal people, like everybody else, they just have a glamorous job.

However, I honestly thought I was going to have another Ugly Betty moment (I have loads of those!), but surprisingly I didn't! I thought I was going to be ostracized because of my size. It was the complete opposite, I felt welcomed, and I had a wonderful time! In fact it was quite amusing, here I am on the extreme larger end of the spectrum, in a room with women who are on the other side of the spectrum, and there was no hostility whatsoever! Although, there are definitely some bitchy people in the fashion industry (as we all know), I was fortunate not to experience that!

Although I didn't get much time to speak with Christian, he is quite an interesting person! He was born in the Netherlands and grew up in the Far East and the UK.  He studied for his BA at the Academy of Fine Art in Arnhem, Netherlands, and completed his MA at Central Saint Martins.  He has previously designed for Michael Kors, Diane Von Furstenberg, Harvey Nichols Private Label and the MaxMara Fashion Group. He is noted and valued in the industry, not only for his innovative vision, but also for his commercial instincts. Christian's collections are defined by a sharp and distinct silhouette, with a tight colour palette, and at times an intense use of colour; as seen with his A/W collection.

Christian's  A/W collection is "functional meets luxury". He used a luxurious mix of shearling, furs, leather, duchess sating, and silk organza, along with smart tailoring. The collection colour palette, consisted of dark muted colours, such midnight blue, black on white, and a pop of rich jewel tones. My favorite piece has to be, the floor length bright pink dress, it is stunning! Christian had a generous 3 hour slot, to present his clothes, so his models were on a continuous rotation. I spent most of my time backstage, and then I went to his show, to see his clothes from another perspective. I find presentations much more relaxing, than an actual runway show, it isn't as chaotic, and you don't have to fight for seat or a good spot to take pictures!

Picture by Catwalking.com

Picture by Catwalking.com

Picture by Catwalking.com

Overall, I really enjoyed myself! It wasn't what I expected at all, and I'm already looking forward to LFW in September. Hopefully, I'll be able to attend more shows, and go behind the scenes, once more.

What was your favorite LFW show? Did you attend any? Drop me a comment and let me know!