Colour is the new black thanks to Sara Aspinall. Her Winter 13 collection will let lovers of the dark side wear colour with all the rock ‘n’ roll attitude they prefer.
I loved CoS’s Summer 12, but really didn’t know what to expect from its follow-up. Well, first outfit out featured a graphic purple/grey/black knit – that was followed by a jumbo mesh in purple and black with – clue! a rad fluoro backpack. Okay, I won’t keep you in suspense – the collection was loosely inspired by 1980s New York based graffiti and visual artist Keith Haring.
A NomD-esque jac-coat (short in front, long in back – remember Sara worked for NomD for a number of years, it’s only reasonable she would share their aesthetic) was next, followed by a plain purple sheer dress, worn with a super cute pocket bag with Haring-homage art – another of Fashion Week ‘12s instant collectibles).
Great seamed tights and patchwork jeans drew the eye down the body as the palette opened into first coral/black (LOVED the very cropped black jacket with white ‘dripping’ print over the shoulder), through black/white and eventually to coral/fuschia.
A small black on white print proved at closer scrutiny to be equally Haring-inspired. There were touches of leather as seen in the summer collection – to be expected from a label that was largely accessories-based in its early days.
A coral jacket with a fuschia lapel inner was totally rock ‘n’ roll, worn over a long tailed black sheer, its model sporting bobby pins in the side of long slightly lank hair, and heavy brows.
Aspinall rendered a kilt in scarlet – combined with a small black and white plaid-y print – making it totally her own.
If you’ve never done a grungy rock vibe, nor lived in ‘80s/’90s New York, Company of Strangers is giving you your chance. You know those exuberant AND cool kids, both young and less young? Bet CoS is what they’ll be loving next season.
CLICK HERE to view Company of Strangers NZFW12 – Runway
– Julie Roulston
Images: Giana Patel
