Simply Abu Dhabi XIII

T his season, Matthew Williamson revisits the essence of his acclaimed debut, Electric Angels, with a collection that taps into the spirit of that woman, grown-up, and reimagined for now. Dragonflies, which first appeared in his hit 1997 show embroidered onto cardigans, now flutter over silk georgette gowns and evolve into an abstract graffiti-style print. Digital printing techniques are traded in favour of drawings executed by hand. Botanical illustrations are further worked with graffiti markings, while a naïve-daisy printed silk gown charmingly looks like it has been doodled in felt tip pens. Aside from energetic pops of bright colour, Williamson explores monochrome in greater depth together with a new emphasis on silhouette and form – tailored jackets, bra-top dresses, roomy cropped trousers in sketchy Ikat – this is a collection with focus on separates and glamorous daywear. Intricate embroideries enrich everything from a pair of cuffed jeans to skirts, while those daisies appear 3D in a series of lemon dresses with lacy petal applique. Meanwhile, wasp waists are cinched with Perspex belts bestowing a bejewelled transparent-winged dragonfly. Williamson’s handbag offering evolves to include totes and miniature cross-body bags, zinging with accents of neon or copper metallic, while oversized mirrored sunglasses echo the spirit of the collection. 2 2 8 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 0 1 4