Persephone: A Fashion Show
Luca Pawson’s much anticipated ‘Persephone’ fashion show took place on a beautiful March evening in the atmospheric medieval setting of the Beerling Hall. After a welcoming drinks reception and art exhibition, guests made their way upstairs to find their seats, the lights were dimmed, and Marilyn Manson’s ‘Killing Strangers’ set the electrifying tone for what was to come, as the first model was summoned to the runway.
Based on the myth of the Greek goddess Persephone – and her changing identity from winter through to spring – the show introduced us to ‘The Queen of Darkness’ in the first of three sections, in this twelve-piece women’s collection. Taking references from Japanese Samurai, Eighteenth century costume and tailoring, the opening four garments with their harsh, jagged, obstructive silhouettes and primitive faces took the guests on a journey through the dark severity of the Winter months. As Persephone continued on her path the audience was guided into contemplation as the next four models were called to prayer. The gold-plated glistening faces, imperial silhouettes and religious imagery all portrayed a decadent deity, a worshipped idol, recalling the opulence of Baroque churches through the use of religious symbolism. Gradually these trappings melted away to reveal the third and final section where Persephone returns to earth, heralding Spring. Organic fabrics entwined around the models bodies and flowers flourished from their hair, breaking down the symmetry and order?of the previous garments in favour of spontaneity, as if the fabrics themselves were blossoming like a flower bud on the eve of spring.
The zest of colour, organic flowing lines and seemingly endless sprouting forms all added to Persephone’s personification of nature as the audience was brought forth into the lightness and climax of Spring. As Luca Pawson took to the runway for his bow the one question left on everyone’s lips was what will become of this exceptionally talented and modest 18 year old who has already achieved so much.