Oh Henry, why? For Spring Summer 2016, Henry Holland has taken us on a Safari, but it’s more of a safari so wrongy, than a safari so righty.
The show lacked the famous House of Holland wit and charm of yesteryears. No playful bags or witty slogans, just a mishmash of fabrics and shoes that left me feeling uncomfortable.
Opening in a patchwork Safari belted jacket in muted earth tones of camel and coffee with flashes of pillar box red, navy leather and animal print with matching mini skirt. The look completed with tube socks seen on the likes of Sibling, and ankle boots with feathers and patent leather strap, are definitely an acquired taste.
Puffer gilets in combat green with crystalized bug details, denim shirt and leopard print knee-high boots with the feather details, which carried though out the show, only added to the African adventure, inspired proceedings.
Half way in and the tousled haired models with minimal make-up wore asymmetric panels Hawaiian print sleeved dresses with leopard print belted waists.
From animal instincts to striped two-pieces with corseted elements in evergreen, dark blue, burgundy and white stripe passed down the sand laden runway.
Pyjama suits with baby pink piping made their presence known with feather and insect print, an entomologist dream sleepwear set.
From a dreamy outfit to a downright nightmare of a safari jacket with faux fur pink leopard print sleeves, WHY HENRY WHY!?
The leopard print turned into a graphic abstract print in blue hues and powerful pinks. However the blue tee had a detailing that resembled the top part of a curtain(!).
The final part became its saving grace with day dresses to die for. Carrying on with the bug theme through-out the show, this time they arrived in a swarm on A-line 60s frocks, and black mesh dresses with a raw edge, and exaggerated motifs of the acid toned creepy-crawlies.
Henry has left me feeling dumbstruck by this collection, and will most likely divide House of Holland fans due to its new direction. The upper part of the collection I can accept over as time goes by (time heals a broken heart right?), but the shoes I don’t think I’ll understand or forgive. This collection is definitely the ‘marmite show’ of LFW, you either love it or hate it, you either get it or you don’t.
