Ada Zanditon has carved a reputation as the ‘one to watch’ when it comes to British sustainable fashion.
While many ethical designer play it safe and focus on ethical production as their niche, Ada presents a complex, architectural aesthetic that speaks to a younger, edgier buyer.
Ada Zanditon’s Autumn/Winter 2011-12 collection, ‘The Cryoflux’, took inspiration from the extreme climate of Antarctica. A palette of icy marine and navy were contrasted with warming shades of flame – reflecting natural fire and ice elements.
Ada builds on her signature geometric digital prints, incorporating them on a stunning, bandeau evening dress with gathered side detail and a beautifully cut jersey top.
My absolute favourite part of the collection was the elegant tailoring combining navy wool and black leather.
The panelled leather a-line dress is sure to be a best-seller and the exquisite 3/4 length culotte suit with ruched leather sleeves and contrasting lapels shows Ada’s skills as an innovative tailor.
The most beautiful piece in the collection has got to be this black and marine double ombre chiffon belted dress.
The fluid length, belted waist and fading away colour make wearable while being a statement piece.
I’m not sure I’ll be able to resist bagging this dress when it arrives at YoungBritishDesigners.com come Autumn!
Ada Zanditon has also collaborated on a jewellery collection with Luca Romanyi, with large, geometric piece crafted from printed tile, silver chain and vegetable-tanned leather.
The wrap-around heels were a talking point at the presentation and they reminded me of Zaha Hadid’s futuristic rubber designs for Melissa.
The Ada Zanditon presentation was my first foray into the disaster that was the new On|Off venue.
Designers shouldn’t be held accountable for the misjudged venue choice, that saw numerous international fashion editors left out in the cold due to ‘over-crowding’, but still, it’s impossible to ignore that this did impact on the atmosphere and efficiency of the presentation.
With all the crowds, I just couldn’t connect with the video and instead of putting it on a loop, perhaps a series of screenings would work better.
But really, I’d like to see Ada Zanditon get her own catwalk show. Her pieces and creative vision require the exposure of a proper show to give her the commercial boost that she deserves.
Photos by Chérie City
Ada Zanditon – The CRYOFLUX AW11 from Andrew & WIlliam Ho on Vimeo.
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