Exciting Encounter: Dans La Vie AW12

Once again at London Fashion Week Rira Sugawara made a loud statement with her striking boundary pushing prints for her label Dans La Vie's collection Exciting Encounter. I loved her playful collection for SS12  and again her prints went from strength to strength with a collection inspired by American Pop Art from the 60s and a spiritual character of a Japanese high priest, "Kukai".
For me Tokyo born Sugawara perfectly captures the creative essence of Pop Art and her prints are absolutely fantastic, smartly combining elements of art history such as inspiration from Da Vinci's portraits with everything from flamingos to bullseyes in a fun collage effect.
This collection certainly had a high dose of rock and roll attitude from the flashes of colour in the big hair to the highly reflective oversized circular sunglasses. The voluminous, kitsch 50s silhouette I loved in the coats and skirts of September remained but were also joined by a more slick, sleek sister with references to sportswear. The prints are brash together but could also be worn separately, mixed in with a modern wardrobe to make a bold statement in an outfit.
Along with Sugawara's fabulously original collage type prints sat shiny faux snake skins, juxtaposed in texture by faux furry collars which I think perhaps looked best with the fun and flirty vintage inspired numbers. I adored the feminine flashes of tulle and flamboyant little headpieces.
Rira Sugawara's clothes are so intriguing, creating a yearning to take a closer look which I was pleased to do so at Blow PR's press day. I really love how she successfully she manages to combine artistic references and creativity for a refreshing, modern look.