Advertisement
Advertisement

Roland Mouret

Carmen Li

Who? It took only a few seasons for the fashion world to realise what a talent French-born, London-based designer Roland Mouret really is. Mouret's 1998 debut ready-to-wear collection has managed to garner applause among fashionistas and his pieces have soon become covetable items among the likes of Kylie Minogue, Sophie Ellis Bexter and P.J.Harvey.

How did it happen? Born in Lourdes in 1961, in his 20s Mouret moved to Paris where he worked as a model, stylist and art director. He moved to London in the 1980s where he began his career designing for British-based label People Corporation before launching his own label in 1998.

What are the clothes like? They are mixure of Parisian sensuality and London's devil-may-care attitude. Underneath the nonchalant appearance of Mouret's clothes lies a refined note of quality that appears almost couture-like. Slinky tops hang off shoulders looking effortlessly chic when paired with hip-hugging classic trousers. Silk jersey dresses are so cleverly pinned and tucked they look like they have been held together by magic. Mouret took a trip back to the mod 1960s for his autumn/winter collection this year, which features an array of cropped geometrically cut jackets, Barbarella-inspired mini skirts and plaid cropped trousers with slices of patent leather trimmings.

What does the designer say? 'This show may not be what you expect, but for me it's a quest for modern dressing, and for the first time I've taken inspiration from a few key British movements - the 1950s, mods and punks meet Nancy Cunard on a sunny afternoon,' says Mouret about his autumn/winter 2003 collection.

Where can you find his clothes? Selfridges and Liberty in London, www.netaporter.com.

Post