London Fashion Week: Antipodium

Cool girls know that Antipodium know a thing or two about wit and wearability – that’s why Topshop snapped up Creative Director Geoffrey J. Finch as Creative Design Consultant last year. So when we headed to the theatre at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, it wasn’t surprising to find that their AW14 Times New Roman collection offered more than a few wish-list pieces – don’t get me started on the furry shoes!

Using digital culture as their millennial muse, AW14 kitted out modern-day ‘centurions’ in pixilated prints, appliquéd digital fonts – Times New Roman naturally – and quilted skirts inspired by the domed ceiling of the British Museum. If I were a centurion I’d definitely wear their pleated skorts and shift dresses with armoury plate detailing too.

Giving the collection an ancient civilization meets Google vibe, pixilated Roman busts were printed on anoraks, mini dresses with square scooped necklines and even the catwalk, while historic landmarks were offered up in metallic PVC. Perhaps the most surprising reference came from the double-breasted blazer spun in Encyclopaedia Britannica green – that was definitely a new Pantone for us.

As we’d hoped knits were key and our new season layers were ribbed and long. ‘90s-loving chenille made a comeback in longline skinny knits, while twin sets received a much-needed merino wool update with slashed collars. The collection’s appliquéd letter jumper certainly deserved an ‘A’ for effort too – get your name down for one of those asap.

With flashes of orange, cinching Roman bronze belts, furry t-bar heels (worn with obligatory ankle socks) and distinctive prints, this was everything you’d want for the Antipodium girl and more – and certainly one of our favourite collections yet from Finch & co.

London Fashion Week SS14 runs from Friday 14 to Tuesday 18 February. Stay tuned for further coverage.

Image by Charlotte White