Richard Nicoll’s SS13 show was the last on my schedule, today. It was nice to end LFW on a high note. The presentation was styled by one-woman-whirlwind Sophia Neophitou, the vivacious Editor-in-Chief of 10 Magazine and 10 Men Magazine, who is also Creative Director for Harper’s Bazaar UK, Rouland Mouret and Antonio Berardi. So, basically, she is one of the busiest women in fashion, but, also, as I found, one of the most approachable. When I introduced myself to her, backstage, she had this to say: "You're a Zac? You said the magic word — that’s my son’s name! Now I'll love you forever!" I <3 you too, Sophia! It should be noted that I completely forgot to ask her for her thoughts on the collection, which was bright, sporty, simple, chic, and infinitely desirable. I did, however, catch up with the talented designer himself.
Zac Bayly: Can you sum up the collection in three words beginning with vowels?
Richard Nicoll: Airy. Oceanic. Urban.
Can you describe the concept for the collection with a haiku?
What does that mean?
You know, they’re Chinese* poems where the first and third lines have five syllables, and the second has seven.
That’s too difficult.
You’re right. Can you try?
It was my ideal representation of a wardrobe for real life. [This sentence can actually be made into a haiku — It wasn’t intentional!] So, it’s practical, and yeah… I made it to reflect the way I would dress if I were a woman — so it was athletic and easy, but kind of special.
Have you tried on any of the dresses?
Not this season, no. I don’t fit into any of them.
What would the collection’s starsign be?
It would have to be Virgo, because that’s mine, I guess.
If you could pick a Disney princess to walk in your show, which would you pick?
None of them… Wait… Maybe the Little Mermaid? Is she a princess?
Yeah. How many coffees have you had today?
Just one, actually.
Are you running on adrenalin?
No, we had loads of sleep. We’re really quite organised.
That’s like, the first time anyone’s said that to me this season.
Cool!
*I know that Haikus are Japanese now.
