HEIKKI SALONEN | FALL / WINTER 2011
Edgy and masculine, Heikki Salonen is fast becoming a hot new favourite on the London Fashion scene.
A completely unique collection of contemporary womenswear, his star looks set to continue to rise as the designs are already screaming out to be introduced into Fall / Winter 2011 wardrobes.
Sophisticated classics are reinterpreted with a rugged edge in Salonen’s Fall / Winter 2011 collection resulting in clothes that look effortlessly easy but tailored.
The overall vibe reflects a sort of modern day throwback to the early 90’s grunge era.
Central to the collection are good quality natural fabrics, stripes and patchwork.
Heikki’s womenswear is obviously made with ample amounts of love and there is serious attention to detail but that doesn’t mean it isn’t full of grimy, boyish attitude.
Oversized waist-coats are paired with long flowing skirts, worn eyelet boots are teamed with casual but chic patchwork trousers, and sheer chiffon shirt dresses and t-shirts are layered over long sleeved tops.
The collection has a very organic feel as it features plenty of reindeer leathers and natural fabrics. Feminism is the underlying sentiment behind the designs as Heikki looked to power dressing for influence. Pleating, soft off-white dresses and crop tops are the defining fundamentals of this collection in a muted palette of brown, grey, purple and washed out white.
A student at the Royal College of Art from 2006-2008, he worked with Erdem before setting up his own label and then directing the Diesel female lines.
His design signature is to play with the classics, re-evaluate their essence and shift a garment’s destiny. He believes the Heikki Salonen woman is someone who appreciates his designs so much that they wear them until they’re falling apart like an old teddy bear.
He has said he was inspired by a number of things for Fall / Winter 2011 including secret societies, Bauhaus textiles and revolutionary essays by AnttiNylen.
The ambitious designer has also announced plans to launch a shoe collection for Fall / Winter 2011.
- Aoife Anderson
