Estethica AW2011

Another season, another great set of ethical designers showcasing  at Estethica, a very talented bunch, I found so many that I loved but here are my favourites…

Makepiece


All too excited about their appearance on Countryfile (Sunday 20th February, 8pm), Nichola and Beate looked particularly happy about their Metamorphosis collection. With their gorgeous knitwear made from Shetland sheep and dyed in West Yorkshire, it’s hard to find British garments as warming as these.

Goodone


As ever, Goodone had a great rack of new designs. Stylish panel dresses encompassed navy and mustard with a stunning result with pencil skirts and a lovely collection of hand-knitted cable belts looking set to be winter staples.

Fairtrade Foundation


This collective of fifteen designers have worked to produce garments for Asos Black. I loved the varied scarves on display with a particular favourite being Athena Procopiou’s offering.

The North Circular


I cannot praise The North Circular’s knitted accessories enough. I couldn’t have survived last winter without cocooning myself in my chunky black scarf from them and with a range of different colours – include a stunning combination of grey and white wool – there’s definitely something for everyone.
 

Studio NY


Having showcased at NYFW last week, Studio NY flew into Estethica with two stand out pieces. I loved the ready-to-wear look of this grey knitted dress and the practicality that it can be worn in many different ways. As for this skirt - made in connection with Conservation Throughout Poverty Allevation – I am in awe of the intricacy of the detail with the entwined cocoons.
 

Catherine May

Estethica

Estethica returned to LFW for its fourth year, having grown vastly in size, thirty seven exhibitors took to their stalls to showcase their Spring/Summer 2011 collections. New exhibitors deserving of a mention include Erin O’Connor’s joint venture with Kate Halfpenny, She Died of Beauty, for their simplistic t-shirts and bags with simple slogans.

Additionally, Lost Property of London founder Katy Bell impressed visitors with her unique collection of bags which have been rescued from lost items and tailored to create impressive designs – using offcuts from Liberty to produce spectacular pieces. In fact, there were so many more exhibitors worthy of a mention; hopefully these images will give you an idea of what went on besides the catwalk shows....

 The necklaces in the new fluid collection at Leblas flow to add intricate detail to your neckline. Made with recycled sterling silver and plated in 18 carat gold they’re definitely worth a small investment.

The Ethical Justice Foundation continues to make a statement with bold t-shirts with designer collaborations from the likes of Richard Nicoll and Jade Jagger. Their green ethics were matched with a similarly green stall with mannequins to match.

Upcycling is still the main focus of goodone. Whilst they may be busy with their recent Topshop launch, they’ve still found the time to create an original SS11 line including a jacket created from old tents left at festivals!

As well as providing her designs to the Prophetik catwalk show, Nina Dolcetti has produced a whole range of stunning shoes including favourites from last season in new colours. It was the heels that really shone for me, although that’s not to take anything away from a beautiful pair of nude flats with purple details which I loved.

Catherine May