There is always something romantic about Prophetik’s collections and after a season off, Jeff Garner’s sustainable fashion label has really developed its Southern Belle charm, that I just love. When at a Propketik show you can’t help but enjoy it, everything from the live musical accompaniment to the addition of wedding dresses, equestrian-style daywear, and the inclusion of some male models that would look at home on a cover of a Mills & Boon romance book cover, it always feel more than just a fashion show.
For autumn/winter 2012, the collection had a gorgeous selection of dresses from knee-length day dresses to floor-skimming gowns in hemp/silk blends and hemp wool plaid adorned with patch-work designs, lace, floral prints, vintage-looking military buttons, exposed zips, ruffles, culminating in a black finale gown with naturally shed ostrich feathers.
What I love has to be the Victorian sensibility of the line with the high-collars, which I have seen a lot of on the catwalks this fashion week, as well as the corset gowns, and the romantic hues of the colour palette with the pale shades of rose-pink, pistachio, dusky peach and snow-white.
One of my favourite looks has to be this pale pink gown, the corset, the lace cuffs, the ruffles, the laced-up bag, and the bow – simply divine.
The old-fashioned vibe of this label is what I adore, this is a designer who has a vision not only in design but also morally with his eco-friendly approach to fashion using earth-based dyes, vintage fabrics, and reviving elephant-painted prints in support of wildlife rehabilitation. He even used his captive audience to broadcast a very important message about the conservation of Rhinos with the help of his sponsor Lawrence Anthony Foundation in South Africa.
All too often designers gear their label around the commercial aspect, trends, and attempting to get a design slot on one of the big luxury labels, what I love about Jeff is his passion for fashion as well as his heritage, which always comes across in his beautifully crafted wears. Once again I was completely blown away by the collection – I wonder if I will ever be lucky enough to wear one of his gowns? One can dream right!!!
