WORD.

LONDON FASHION WEEK S/S2011 – CHARLIE LE MINDU 

His fourth season showing at London Fashion Week and now beloved of Lady Gaga, the crowds flocked to Charlie Le Mindu despite a proposed 10:30 am start. His hyperreal, hirsute creations straddling a middle ground between hairdressing, fashion and art, an unashamed, indecorous embrace of LA and Hollywood - in all is fabricated and frankly fabulous glory - entitled 'Detox, Retox, Botox' presented the perfect fit.

Opening with a black velvet one piece - sliced high at thigh, low at the bust - a pale pink wing and towering, Pleaser platforms in hot pink, spotlights on the head and held Mugler-like aloft to cover the breasts shone a literal spotlight on a show of sensual, bordering on carnal, celebration. A flamingo pink and black colourway continuing throughout, leopard and ponyskin pelts were also manipulated into swimsuit like one pieces, pencil skirts, and belted coats, the perfect vehicles to showcase Charlie's focus upon the follicular. 

Beginning with bobbed and lightly curled, Bety Boop come cartoon creations in acid green and searing pink, an elaborate Farah Fawcett cut - unfurling blush pink locks highlighted in acid green - gave way to a poodle - head perched at forehead, body consisting of loose, permed curls falling to the back - and a flamingo turban, inquisitive face peering out, accompanied by a dress in pink, an exaggerated bustle sculpted to encourage the avian's silhouette.

Moving from head to garment, flowing black locks first enveloped a cropped bolero before covering a jumpsuit and floor length gown, tiered strands of hair stretching from head to ankle, leopard spots sprayed in red offering relief at torso. Finishing in a flurry of pink, perspex make-up palettes bringing beauty regimes from behind-the-scenes, a wide brimmed matte black hat ringing with old school glamour and a mirrored Hollywood sign, Charlie kicked off day three with a London-centric shot of out-and-out showmanship.

Images by Slobodan Radosavljenic and Victoria Loomes

Posted by Luke Raymond