London Fashion Week: 10 Best Looks From J.W. Anderson Spring 2017

The designer mused on Tudor dressing and gave them a 21st century look and feel

By Annabelle Fernandez - published 18 Sep 2016

J.W. Anderson musing on Tudor fashion might be hard to imagine or believe. Yet Anderson's spring collection pulled details and silhouettes of the Medieval era and gave them a 21st century look and feel.

The collection had a soft, romantic and feminine vibe, even when the designer was referencing men's looks or, in one case, what appeared to be linen placemats sewn into architectural layers to create a dress. Maybe it sprung from the idea that way back when, when linens and materials were at a premium, you made do with what you had on hand.

Elsewhere the costumes of kings showed up in the quilted jackets sewn asymmetrically into pleated skirts or the pinched-and-pouffed hybrid quilted and cotton shirts. To avoid period piece costumery, they were paired with ombre pastel skirts and round-toed shoes (a nice relief from all the points) tied with cords or printed lace-up looks.

This seemed to be Anderson's most commercial collection in a while, with tie-dye striped dresses, slim slip dresses with contrast ribbon details and a handful of sweaters with exaggerated rollnecks. Think Elizabethan neck ruffle in proportion.

Everything was understandable if a little tweaked for Anderson's offbeat sensibilities and inclination towards skewing reality on the runway. Like effortless day tunics with extra material for louche draping or a pair of strapless dresses with two sleeves hanging off the waist, as if someone yanked this damsel's top off, only to reveal another layer below.

From: Harper's BAZAAR US