OSTWALD HELGASON | FALL / WINTER 2012

London based duo Susan Ostwald and Ingvar Helgason, who hail from Germany and Iceland, have been causing quiet ripples of excitement with their latest collection for Fall / Winter 2012, which was their first presentation since forming the collection in 2008.

Drawing inspiration from Captain Scott’s ill-fated expedition to the Antarctica, where Great Britain raced against Norway, the duo have created a collection with a strong seafaring influence.

The basis of the colour palette was based on a nautical theme of red, white and blue, which were broken up with bands of metallics – another theme constant across many fall collections. The duo also favoured thick stripes of colour blocking across their clothing.

The silhouette of the designs was the creative work of Ingvar Helgason, a previous tailor, and this collection featured strong yet soft structured shapes, which makes for an easy-wearing and wantable collection. Here was another collection that engaged the use of layering and by doing so Ostwald Helgason proved just how workable their individual piece were as completed outfits.

Following on from the nautical theme expressed in the colour palette, Ostwald Helgason emblazoned boxy sweaters with vibrant sea monster prints and skirts and tops with vintage sea faring maps.

- Beth Price