Courtly Love: Prophetik AW12

The moment I laid eyes on the invite featuring a lady in full Rococo dress I was intrigued to see Jeff Garner's AW12 collection for Prohpetik and the entrancing show did not disappoint. Throughout the collection were lavish references to historic costume from plush riding jackets to a Regency inspired empire line and an ode to the Victorian bustle in the glorious ostrich feather finale dress, though the garments are perhaps more fluid than their historical counterparts. In contrast sit slinky pieces of the 20s and 30s styles and sensual exposed backs.
The whole collection feels so romantic from the rose colour palette to the old fashioned glamour. Its princess heroine is romanced by a noble, dandy gentleman. She is at home in a ballroom where a string quartet plays but also traipsing about through the great outdoors in a manner to make Miss Elizabeth Bennet proud.
There was a great attention to the details from the laced up corset seen at the back of a Rococo style gown to the the regal necklaces which were so perfectly in tune with the feel of the clothes and I thought were a gorgeous touch.
Also designing menswear, which is just as lovely with the same drama, Garner's work is high fashion but it also has a huge emphasis on sustainability and uses organic dyes. Courtly Love is sponsored by the Lawrence Anthony Foundation in South Africa, which supports environmental conservation, education and wildlife rehabilitation and this year is particularly concerned with stopping the ongoing poaching of rhino. The finale gown is comprised of peace silk, a quilt previously belonging to the designer's grandmother, a vintage pocket watch and naturally shed ostrich feathers, and I love this quirky and thoughtful mix.
There is such a beautiful grace and serenity to this collection. I adore how such a rich and widely varying historical background has informed Garner's work and how it translates into the construction. Yet the collection is also for a very modern woman and this timeless appeal will never go out of style. When Garner himself stepped out at the end it was clear he completely embodied the aesthetic of his work, and I'm very much looking forward to seeing his visions in the future.