Creating Optical Illusions With Light And Colour – Bunmi Koko Autumn Winter 2011

Posted: February 23rd, 2011

This season, Bunmi Koko went in search of light as inspiration for her Autumn Winter 2011 Kaleidoscopia Collection. “The scientific and philosophic discoveries of light, from stars to supernovas to mirages and comets,” reflected in a vibrant explosion of colours. It was not just a case of colours coming down the runway that we found appealing, it was how the bold, deep and rich colours were all carefully reworked into an interesting choice of print that laid the foundation for the entire collection.

While the emphasis on this collection was on the designer’s use of colour, there were other details such as – a quick dip into the avian world with feather like details on coats and dresses, a kind of sleek gloss effect created by the optical illusion of the prints, fabric and colours; and that reoccurring fold over flap/giant pleats that constantly drew our attention to that oft neglected part of the female form – shoulders. The designer focused on two main types of silhouettes, one involved the structure and cut of ballet costumes – fitted bodice and flared skirts styled with tulle underlay and the other – straight, had a mix of pencil skirts, tailored skinny leggings/trousers and shift sheath dresses.

What SHF loved best about the Collection? The explosion of colours was refreshing for a season that’s usually more partial to colours on the sober end of the spectrum and the pieces were commercial which is very important these days – wearability straight off the runway.