Corrie Neilsen is one of the most exciting designers working in London right now and her place on the main London Fashion Week schedule reflects her growing reputation as a worthy successor to the great British designers like Westwood and McQueen.
Words and pictures: Phoebe Frangoul
Because although Corrie Neilsen is an American, at heart she' a Brit through and through - as her Autumn/Winter catwalk show demonstrated. Dedicated to her grandmother Tollie Burns and her great, great, great grandfather John S. Burns, this was a Highland fling of a collection that reflected Nielsen's Scottish roots.
From the delicate tartan lace decorating the models' faces to the feathers in their hair, Nielsen's Scots heritage made itself felt in every detail.
Nielsen worked at Vivienne Westwood for six years and the legendary designer's influence can be seen in her bold use of print - especially tartan - and creative cutting techniques.
A sense of the dramatic came through in this Scottish widow look, with layers of taffeta, a high black ruff and a beautifully sculpted bodice.
While she is known for her opulent, couture-worthy ballgowns with their dramatic sweeping skirts, Corrie Nielsen is also a dab hand at producing a perfectly-cut pair of trousers, and wearable tailoring and fantasy fashion mingled easily in the collection. But while we were impressed by the chic separates, it was the grand finale of the show and the eveningwear pieces that really excited the audience; two stunning dresses in monochrome tartan and a spectacular cape in royal purple Duchess satin.
After showing such an accomplished collection, it seems certain that London's fashionable future is safe in the hands of Corrie Nielsen.
