On a tiny street somewhere behind Oxford Street, behind an unremarkable door and up a winding staircase is a chapel. And this is where Phiney Pet threw her Everyday Birthday bash.
Inspired by the birthday parties of her youth, offering donuts and Calypso drinks, Pet has channelled her inner kid with her SS16 collection.
Framed against the solemn beauty of the chapel, models stood in groups, posing like children who had been asked to take yet another photograph at a family occasion.
The clothes were fun and clashed charmingly; gingham worn with bright illustrations, tartan with brocade, bold stripes with patterned chiffon.
And the accessories complemented the aesthetic perfectly; pink slides held back fringes and the shoes were beautifully adorned flatforms, covered in ribbons and bows.
Within a few minutes, Pet was gathering her team and models together to take delightfully fun polaroids, celebrating her unofficial birthday party and adding to the youthful excitement in the room. She animatedly explained that she never had a Sweet Sixteen, so this was her chance to relive the experience.
Her favourite piece from the collection? A leather jacket which perfectly illustrates how to bake a cake from start to finish, covered in sprinkles – similarly, in fact, to her favourite Krispy Kreme doughnut.
Skipping off to my next show, I felt lifted by the fun and vibrant collection that Pet had shared at her party. Fashion can be terribly serious at times, and it was delightful to meet someone who’s excitable dynamism is written all over her clothes. And as for that jacket – who could ever object to mixing fashion with cake? I know what I’ll be baking next year.
Originally written for WJ London.
Words: Katharine Bennett | Fashion Week Press | @misskatebennett
Images: Celine Castillon | Fashion Week Photographer | @petitefable
Katharine Bennett 