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James Long likes his women to have opinions, dress up and be strong. Off setting floaty dresses, skirts and twin set combos with masculine leather belts, buckles and prudishly high collars, his SS13 collection felt professionally sexy. Evolving the leather bound, heavy duty, earthy toned signature aesthetic he’s become known for, experimenting more with elaborate patterns and blended textures, chunky knits and waist cinched blazers dressed a line-up of slender, headless mannequins at Saint Martins hotel. Decorating a monochrome, Beetlejuice-inspired array of formally dressed imitation females, freehand stitched scribbles, interwoven maps and words adorned dense cottons, knits and delicate laces, fringed with leather hem rimmed pleats and skirts. Camouflaging written sentiments, James paid homage to his creative muses, most notably PJ Harvey, Louise Gray and i-D’s very own Music Editor Princess Julia. Feeling more playful than previous seasons, the former RCA graduate translated the directional and purposeful techniques he employs within his menswear perfectly to his more recently established womenswear line.
Text: Milly McMahon
See all of our SS13 womenswear coverage here.
