ZERO // Molly Goddard.

Here's a little something I wrote for ZERO Magazine. A London-based digital platform which encourages artistic vision and original perspectives, it publishes articles and blog posts on fashion, music, arts, and human interest.

LFW // Art Class with Molly Goddard

Looking back to Molly Goddard's 2012 Central Saint Martins BA final project, her work drew inspiration from the Spice Girls, Barbie, and a 90s school disco wardrobe. Now, her collection has emerged from adolescence and reached college age. As part of the Topshop backed NEWGEN crew at LFW, instead of simple static models showcasing her designs, Goddard turned the presentation of her AW15 line into a life drawing lesson as a nod towards girls coming straight to art class after an all-nighter at the student ball.

Photo via stylonylon

Using traditional handcraft techniques such as smocking and ruching she creates over-the-top party dresses in bold silhouettes and complex textures - indicating influence from internships at Meadham Kirchhoff and John Galliano. Embroidery and pleats are gathered among metres of tulle and taffeta as a wistful ode to teenage parties and special occasion attire; girly gowns now old enough for art school students. The young talent's frou-frou aesthetic instills a nostalgic reminiscence of childhood dressing up, held up perfectly by the charmingly awkward exaggerated structures and bold fabric selections. Pretty drop-waist and smock dresses were worn over wool knits with chunky creeper platforms to inject an effortless attitude into the look, while the aesthetic of messy mustard velvets and scruffy sheer greys made the fancy frocks more teen girl chic than chichi Sunday best. Combining the gaudy finery of adolescent ball gowns with a hint of grungy princess, the ripped frills and wide trousers under tulle created a feeling of unkempt glamour truly reminiscent of the morning after the night before - art school style.