Last month, Shrimps debuted their Spring Summer 2017 collection at Christie’s New Bond Street gallery as part of LFW. Guests including Alexa Chung, Laura Bailey, Kate Foley and Susie Lau, wearing the newly available Autumn Winter 2016 collection, sipped on gin and tonics whilst exploring the gallery space.
It was an evening of surprises and delights, with designer Hannah Weiland expanding far beyond the trademark faux-fur fabulousness that shot Shrimps to fame in 2013. Instead, Hannah proved her credentials as a ready-to-wear designer. What began with a few knitwear pieces back in Autumn Winter 2015 has now evolved into an incredibly diverse collection of ready-to-wear, accessories and of course, outerwear.
The artistic inspirations behind the collection were clear. And this is no surprise, given Hannah’s background as a History of Art graduate. Delicate white tulle and silks were printed with girls inspired by Paul Gauguin’s ‘Breton Girls’, whilst the models wore bonnets and smock-inspired dresses as in the French artist’s 1888 painting.
And the collection really was a girl’s dream. Cream and white silk, sheepskin (faux of course), tulle, embroidery anglaise and green gingham accompanied the quintessentially Shrimps faux furs. Hannah’s inspirations drawn from 18th century royal French courts were clear in the numerous feminine details; colour coordinated ribbon fastenings, ruffled necklines, intricate embroidery, even the model’s nails were painted a delicate shimmery pink. And lets not forget the adorable new season fruit shaped badges, emblazoned on square clutch bags (as well as the waiters’ aprons).
The set, designed by Suzanne Beirne, was inspired by Edward Wadsworth’s seascape still lives. Giant pink conch shells encrusted with pearls and rhinestones were displayed on Perspex plinths and dotted around the gallery space. With the models spread between two minimalist white rooms, this year’s presentation had the feeling of a curated art show - a decision very befitting of the venue and its usual function as an art gallery.
After the success of the Spring/Summer 2015 Shrimps X Sophia Webster fluffy heels, this year’s models wore furry and sparkly trainers designed in collaboration with Converse. The earrings were also created especially by Sophie Billie Brahe for the presentation. Delicate golden hoops with tiny hanging shrimps and pink pearls were a fun twist on the Danish designer’s signature gold and pearl jewelry.
By Louise Godwin