We were thrilled to attend the House of iKons evening show last month and it was bigger and better than ever!
A new venue, a new format and a host of fabulous designers made this the best show yet. Making its new home at the Millennium Hotel in Mayfair, this season’s show had much to dazzle and entertain. Even before the models hit the catwalk, showgoers could immerse themselves in the boutique stalls in the foyer, take selfies with some of the iKonic designs on display and avail themselves of the free hand massages being offered.
Attending the evening show, I was ushered to the ‘frow’, where I was lucky to be seated next to the mother of Lydia Singer. More on this amazing girl later.
The event began with the striking emergence of House of iKons CEO Savita Kaye herself, looking ravishing in an incredible black and red waterfall dress. The show then kicked off with a fantastic line-up of talented designers.
We were treated to the latest collection from Mauritian designer Shaleena Nowbuth. Now, as I’m half-Mauritian myself, I may be a little biased, but I have to admit the tropical colour palette really captured the island vibe of the designs. Rich corals and azures graced catwalk, complementing the floating textures and filling the room with warmth.
We saw some terrific tailoring designs from YAMA London, giving some pops of colour to the conventional suit while an old HOI favourite, Rocky Gathercole, brought some drama to the catwalk. We actually found many of the designs from the latest Rocky Gathercole collection highly wearable, offering a development of the imaginative, if ambitious (and somewhat ‘out there’), creations we are used to from the brand. Instead, there was lots to be had that was pretty, stylish and flattering.
During the interval, Lady K returned in a stunning white gown and paid a touching tribute to a recently departed friend who was a huge fan of Prince, the musical icon being celebrated throughout the show. A fitting connection, given House of iKons’ charitable association with the Prince’s Trust.
The next half of the show was introduced by Raffaella, which was one of our favourite collections of the night. The innovatively cut designs were sheer genius. We also loved the new range from Boastie of London, with its quirky, summery styles.
It was great to see some designs from the East as well; House of iKons has always maintained strong cultural connections with designers from the Middle East and Asia and this season did not disappoint, with Sajda by Suman proving a real show stopper with its ornate, embellished designs.
However, the real highlight of the night was Mitch Desunia. This was by far our favourite collection. Pure couture from start to finish, Mitch Desunia presented creations that were elegant, romantic and enthralling.
Shout out here to our favourite model Maurisa Coleman, who looked stunning gliding down the catwalk in a fetching fishtail number.
The bridal lines were also beautiful, right down to the little flower girl dress that was brilliantly modelled by House of iKons’ youngest participant.
The spectacular show was brought to a sensational finale by the incredible vocals of Lydia Singer who, at just fourteen years of age, absolutely nailed her rendition of Prince’s timeless Purple Rain. Keep an eye out for her, music lovers, because that girl is going places.
All in all, we were so pleased to once again be partnered with House of iKons for yet another tremendous celebration of emerging talent. We were truly taken around the world by the designs and so impressed by both the collections and the execution of the event. House of iKons is going from strength to strength, and taking all of its talented designers with it!
