Print
Email
Discuss this article ( Comments)
zoom
For a man that has designed clothes for Barbie [the doll], Time Out was more than intrigued to peruse Josep Font's debut collection at Ginger & Lace. We expected an onslaught of pink, a smattering of diamante and clothes fit for Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson and a bevy of WAGs. There was even hope that Princess Barbie herself might grace us with her presence...
But we couldn't have meandered further from the truth. Any hypothetical fluffiness was instantly swept away by sultry silks and Tudor-esque detail, including a raft of evening gowns fit for royalty. Think Judi Dench as Queen Victoria in Mrs Brown, but a tad more promiscuous. If it wasn't for the sweet as sugar décor of Ginger & Lace - complete with glittering chandeliers, antiquated wardrobes and femme trinkets - we'd have half thought Henry VIII was going to pop in for tea.
But historic blah aside, Josep Font designs clothes that fit. While that may seem an odd thing to titter, we've spent many a shopping spree (and dirham) shoe-horning our derrieres into couture that just isn't made for the buxom.
(And we're a measly UK size 12.)
Now, we're not saying that Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Gucci have it all wrong - there's a number of Spring/Summer 08 gems that work admirably on portly figures. But when it comes down to a good dollop of wholesome flattery, it's all about Mr Font.
His frocks cinch at the waist and flare at the skirt, skimming the mid thigh (think longer legs), while skirts are puff-ball and adorned with exquisite bows, which hide the a generously-proportioned posterior. Sleeves are three quarter length, while shoulders are voluminous. All in all it's a spectacular array of silk, fit for a queen, sheikah or Oil Baron's Ball reveler alike.
And we're not the only ones who concur. Staff at Ginger & Lace are giddily hanging up the final pieces of his collection, while Josep has just been invited by the Fédération Française de la Couture to join the fashion heavyweights, including Armani, Valentino and Christian Lacroix at Paris Fashion Week.
While we're bowled over by his fashion kudos, glorious wares and promotion to the fashion elite, we're equally intrigued to know what's next for our favourite little blonde bombshell... Gothic Barbie, perchance?
Josep Font is available at Ginger & Lace (04 324 5699), Wafi.
