Fashonista Fridays - Kelly Ewing's Striped Burgundy & Black Collection

Welcome to Fashionista Fridays, where I, your not-always-friendly neighbourhood catgirl, introduce fashion designers whom I believe are not getting their far share of rave views.

This week's spotlight is on Kelly Ewing, a 28 year old designer out of Manchester, England, who's designs are inspired by Victorian aristocracy to pre-Raphaelite romanticism, Kelly’s collections feature well structured traditional pieces such as boned corsetry that are brought up to date with contemporary twists, clever pattern cutting and sharp tailoring. Vintage fabrics such as Harris tweed are generously pleated and draped to create a luxurious couture look that is complimented with bright silk linings and soft handmade corsage detailing.

I prefer the burgundy /black pieces over her grey/white one as I believe it's truer to the moody, often penumbral atmosphere of pre-Raphaelite eroticized medievalism she seeks to project. Shown at the left is the corset dress, with the distinctive black floral broach(removable) above the bust,and boned corsetry on the back. Sharply tailored it's best suited for small/medium breasted women with rectangular or hourglass figures.Read More »»






The ruffle coat is exceptionally well done, it features a ruffle collar and tie detail, empire line, single button fastening, puffed shoulders, two front pockets and pumpkin hem.
My only complaint is that it falls mid-thigh where the corset dress falls below the knee, leading to a rather odd look where the coat ends and dress begins.
















As a tall, leggy athletic girl I don't care for "poofy" skirts as they highlight the fact I'm * too * tall and makes me look skinnier than I really am, but I'm making an exception for Ewing's hitched skirt, which come in short and medium lengths, as she's created three matching top options, also works with the ubiquitous black ribbed boy beater as well.
















The first top option is a new spin on an old stand-by, keeping with the eroticized medievalism theme, a one shouldered wrap corset , fully boned with a black contrast rear and traditional ribbon and eyelet fastening.
















The second is a button corset



with a halter neck, an over-sized decorative button front, fully boned and brown contrast rear panel with a traditional ribbon and eyelet fastening.













And finally a more conservative short jacket with a press stud adjustable collar, pointed hem, half sleeves, and the same removable distinctive black floral broach found on the corset dress.

























This concludes the first instalment of Fashionista Fridays, leave me some comments, let me know what you think.