Richard Quinn Fall 2019
It did not take long for emerging talent, Richard Quinn to find himself swept into the whirlwind lineup of glamour, fame, beauty, and innovation that has come to define the fashion world. In little more than a mere twelve months, the British designer has found himself at the forefront of London Fashion week as editors, photographers, reporters, and globetrotters from all over scrambled for seats at his show this season. On the front row of the show sat students, designers, and many of his friends, marking them just as noteworthy as the celebrities that surrounded them. This is reflective of Quinn’s vision of incorporating community into his brand. By spotlighting art students from his high school in his shows, it has been Quinn’s goal to draw attention to the underfunding that British schools suffer. In this regard, Quinn aspires to demonstrate to us that without such institutions, many creative endeavors and artistic dreams would never be realized and would remain and unfulfilled, tucked away fantasy.
The presentation was a tremendous show of drama. Models emerged from the shadows in a haze of clouds in a parade of florals and pretty, showstopping arrays of fabrics: velvets, satins, latex and the like as singer-songwriter Freya Ridings performed on the piano.
Quinn, who began his career as a design intern for Dior, was inspired by couture techniques, chose to explore extremes between cinched waists and lavish gowns. Creating a world of his collection, the designer pushed for gothic elegance. The result was dark, full skirts, seductive corsets, and gleaming, flowing dresses layered over latex stretch leggings. Some particular favorites included a vibrant suit of watercolor flowers paired with a luxurious silk cape and the selection of black tulle that exploded against floral prints, bedazzled cuffs, and billowy silhouettes. The epitome of Hollywood glamour, the show glowed in feminine confidence, delicate craftsmanship, and charismatic swagger.