LIBERTY REVISITED

A balmy spring scent and warmth was in the air this weekend. London fashion week started, accompanied by instant delirious media exposure and live behind-the-scenes anecdotes on Twitter. While mesmerizing and mediocre shows were taking place, jam-packed with overzealous students, editors, stylists and celebrities, I decided to leave the bustling and gossipy fashion crowds behind in favour of a more tranquil day visiting the new Photographer’s Gallery and Liberty. Pressure to survive the significant downturn in the retail industry has led the historical department store to embrace a new strategy. With Yasmin Sewell acting as a stimulant of the highest quality, Liberty has become a good place to be reminded that there are great designers who value creativity above all. Her passion and judicious business choices can be felt throughout the art deco building, displaying investment suggestions ranging from the very wearable such as ACNE with its clean lines and individual designs to brands which might satisfy the public fantasy of fashion (Rick Owens, Balmain, Dries Van Noten, Christopher Kane, Ohne Titel). In the little time she has been at Liberty, the ex buying director for Browns has already accomplished so much with her aesthetics that go beyond traditional margins. Her formula is unbeatable! An eclectic assortment of brilliant, well-made, sophisticated pure fashion luxury to create distinct silhouettes and more “street” focused items or youth relevant designers. She’s established a new reality I love, a perspective comparable to that of Dover Street Market.
Go and investigate for yourself, I’m a groupie!

All pictures of Yasmin Sewell: The Fashion Spot