Marc by Marc Jacobs F/W 2015
While it may seem like stating the obvious to say that the Luella Bartley & Katie Hilllier incarnation of Marc by Marc Jacobs has a feminine point of view, the fact remains that majority of fashion is still dictated by men. Bartley & Hillier offer a perspective on womenswear that is at once concerned with the trappings of femininity and informed by the concerns of reality. Politics, activism, female solidarity, ideals that impact the lives of young women around the world whether or not they’re sitting front row at a fashion show. On paper this doesn’t exactly sound exuberant, but the duo managed to take their high minded reference points and transform them into a peppy, fun-filled collection complete attuned to the attitudes of today’s girls.
Starting with a beatnik beret and suffragette emblazoned number on Anita Zet, the duo played with ideas about print and pattern. The textiles of William Morris served as an inspiration and the iconic designer, poet, activist’s revolutionary spirit fit well with the collection’s overall message. Bold-faced taglines with messages about choice and change appeared on several looks and provided a wry alternative to last season’s logomania. The pattern play continued with the addition of an oak leaf print that made its way onto tailored overcoats and floor grazing skirts. As always Hillier’s accessories expertise led to a must-have and the addition of metal accented waist bags will have countless people reconsidering their anti-fannypack stance.
Review by Janelle Okwodu
Photos by Casey Vange for models.com
