Design Forum: @River Island x @hardingegeorgia

Image © River Island, 2013

River Island is to collaborate with London-based designer Georgia Hardinge on a spring/summer 2013 collection which will form part of the high street store's Design Forum - an initiative which enables emerging designers to showcase their work to a wider audience. Last season saw the store partner with designer William Tempest.

Hardinge made her London Fashion Week debut in spring/summer 2010, and since then her designs have been seen on celebs including Beyo, Flo Welch, Jessie J and Lady Gaga. Her debut collection for River Island will follow her signature architectural style which flatters the contours of the feminine silhouette and dresses it in contrasting fabrics and textured shapes. The range also draws inspiration from Swiss surrealist sculptor and painter H.R. Giger, expressed through the depth, movement and prints in her designs.

Across a predominantly monochromatic colour palette, key pieces in the 14-piece collection include a neoprene printed structured hip dress and sleek printed maxi skirt with matching top - accessories follow a minimalist but sophisticated balance of silver metal detailing against white leather. 

The collection will launch with a short film starring model Ben Grimes - directed by Alex Turvey - as part of the Fash/On Film series during London Fashion Week next month, with the showpiece dress featured in the film to be auctioned for charity.
The range will then be available in stores from March / April. 

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