With a fanbase as flamboyant as the collections themselves and a growing reputation amongst the bright young tricks of London, Ashish definitely has the hype of London down to a tee. Recent seasons prompted a few whispers of derivative ideas and question marks arose on the one trick sequinned pony. His Spring Summer 12 pieces were literally everywhere, and we were eager to see where Ashish would take it next. 

The sequins were still very much (omni)present and we weren't complaining because he sure does 'em well, but with this came slouchy layering, loud slogans, tie die and coloured denim. Citing  influences as 'New Age, rainbows and Goa' we couldn't help feeling it was more like watching the queue to a Dalston watering-hole as opposed to a New Age nirvana. His references to London's subcultures were all too brash, smiley faces and oversized denim feel like they've been shown, shot and copied by now. A little too done?

Although the splashes of sequins and use of colour worked well, the slogans hit a bit of a bum note in a sea of yin and yangs, head scarves and hackneyed hippy-dippy prints which would have been more at home splattered on 1970's sofas.

There is no doubt in our minds that Ashish does colour like no other, understands the energy required to successfully show in London, and definitely showcased some stand-alone super strong pieces, but it was the concept we wasn't totally buying. Although definitely over-hipsterized, still an interesting direction and pleasant cacophony of shape and colour, and as we say, resolutely London. 

Posted on February 23, 2012 at 3:03:54 by Alice Nyong