Becky Harris
Fashion Writer
A new designer entering the notoriously exclusive and tricky market of high-end womenswear is always a 50/50 shot. Some are immediately put down and discarded, others grow and flourish into legends. Either way, it’s a rarity when a debut designer collection emerges with such direction, focus and consistency. Not only is it a challenge for a designer to stick to one overall theme, but it is ever more becoming difficult to simply meet consumer demands. It’s a well-known fact that never before has a customer been so particular and easy to lose.
That’s why I have fallen in clothes-love with new contemporary label, Arthur & Betty, who have launched their debut collection of perfect pieces for S/S 2012. The concept, (clothing for the busy modern woman), was created in September 2010 by Lauren Lewsey, who then summoned the exquisite talent of designer, Eva Georgiou, to sketch her dreams into reality. In just over a year the duo have developed a solid and simply stunning collection of pieces, ideal for a working woman with precious little time on her hands.
The range consists of work and play-friendly tailored skirts and trousers, one absolutely incredible blue jumpsuit and the most adorable dresses in wools and silks of the finest quality. What’s great about the collection, particularly the dresssw, is that you can indeed wear them to work and then out in the evening; the only little bit of effort needed being the addition of a bold, statement lippy and a killer pair of heels. There’s even a two-layer dress; the under layer being a sequinned yet sophisticated fitted tunic, and the top layer an elegantly opaque, silk shift; both in black. Not only are both looks a nod to the metallic and gothic trends of this season, but you’re buying into two looks for the price of one!
Arthur & Betty is a designer label of the present, and the future. From the cutesy, vintage name (taken from the duo’s grandparents), to the consumer they are targeting, the versatility of the clothes and even the hip black and pink website to match the fuchsia satin lining of all garments, this design duo appear to have all the makings for becoming a dominant, big label. Not only this, but both an Arthur & Betty men’s range AND a couture collection will be flowering in 2012. So, my advice? Get in there while you can and take a look at the website, you will not regret it!
