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Henry's house of many colours
Karen Dacre25.02.09
IT PAYS to have friends in high places, at least it does for London Fashion Week designer Henry Holland whose best friend is Agyness Deyn.
The model of the moment - noticeably absent from the rest of the proceedings this week - was a vision in green as she opened the House of Holland show having flown in especially from New York.
Not every designer can wield that sort of power but not every designer is lucky enough to have a life-long friendship with a supermodel.
Gallery: More pictures from the House of Holland show
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Agyness, who grew up near the designer in Littleborough near Manchester, has modelled in every show since Holland's 2007 debut.
Along with Peaches and Pixie Geldof, Jaime Winstone and a harem of other celebrities, the auditorium for one of the last shows of Fashion Week was crowded with fashion press and buyers. A somewhat impressive accomplishment for the 25-year old designer with no formal training. Holland made his name by poking fun at the fashion industry with a collection of slogan T-shirts. His humour and the ability to take things with a pinch of salt continue to win him praise.
Unlike many other collections unveiled this week, there was no mention of neoclassical architecture or constructivism in the House of Holland show notes, just a simple and somewhat uplifting message "colour me happy" Citing Dulux paint cards as inspiration, Holland sent a kaleidoscopic range of red, green, purple and blue down the catwalk. Having chosen spots and tartan as a running motif throughout his previous shows, this season was all about graphic stripes; box shaped cropped jackets, cigarette trousers and a even a fuchsia pink leotard.
Making use of Tibetan lambswool throughout, Holland's collection featured shaggy handwarmers in pink and green as well as a lilac coat in the same fabric. The show also included five menswear looks, a series of suits not dissimilar to the clothes Holland is regularly photographed in.
Taking into account the green furry skirts and Swarovski crystal trousers, these may not be the most wearable clothes unveiled this week, but thanks to the skilled use of colour, coupled with a great sense of humour, House of Holland was the most fun.
Reader views (5)
"Along with Peaches and Pixie Geldof, Jaime Winstone and a harem of other celebrities" - so far just daughters of celebrities then.... any real famous people there?
- Ian, London
she looks like Vitoria Wood!
- Steve, London
He's no friend of hers if he made her wear that green dinner lady's overall in front of the world's press. Embarrassing.
- Annie, London
Ooooh! Agy's my mate therefore I must have talent-
All this does is undervalue the true talent of London fashion week, those who work hard at it not just have a model friend, who, although loved by the paps, is, honestly a total bore. Henry Holland's work is like nusery school clobber. Awful clothes, awful people.
- James Mcardle, London
She'll look fab!
- Ted, London
