Malan Breton returns to the global stage that is London Fashion Week with a dazzling display of technicoloured nostalgia with his SS19 collection Show Girl.
Inspired by the Ziegfeld Follies and tales of his grandmother’s days as a showgirl and opera singer, Malan Breton’s new work highlights the glamor of traditional showbiz. The Ziegfeld Follies was a series of elaborate theatrical revue productions on Broadway from 1907 to 1931. The chorus girls elegantly paraded up and down stairs, costumed across the inspirational spectrum, from exotic birds of paradise to powerful and imposing battleships.
Malan Breton sheds the dark, defensive layers of AW18, revealing what lies beneath: an abundance of lush and vivid perennial staples. Buttery-soft tones of leather sit alongside flashes of neon. Textured gown trains sweep into intricate hand-beading and embroidery, bringing the stage to the runway with sharp aesthetic commitment. Trails of tulle lavishly drape creating a daydream silhouette.
A subtle revival of bold tailoring brings seventies influence to bear on Breton’s menswear. Charming prints in hues of blue and powder pink twinkle with unapologetic metallics. Malan’s Taiwanese origin stands as the collection’s foundation stitching East to West with powerful embossed brocade.
Each piece walks the catwalk with it’s own character and part to play in this spectacularly fresh approach to couture fashion. Proving once more that he is one of the greatest showman, Malan Breton marries personal performative history to the sharp lines and tailored specificity of his designs. Rather than just a return to the fashion stage, Show Girl is Breton’s first act in a grand stage play where his artistic ambition reaches lofty creative heights.
Credits
Show Production: Fashion Scout
Stylist: Montgomery Frazier
Hair: Toni&Guy Session team
Makeup: and team using products by KRYOLAN
DJing: Charlotte De Carle
Photographer: Simon Armstrong
Backstage Photographer / Videographer: The Project Video
Shoes Provided by Top Owens
Special Thanks to 20th Century Fox Home Video and Julie Andrews