Saturday 24 May started with continuous heavy rain. Market stalls in Golborne Road and Portobello Road began to set up, the day seemed like a washout. It was the first Flash Fashion event for this year, where models were going to strut local garments through the busy markets. At 11:00 a.m. on Golborne Road, opposite the Trellick Tower, the sun appears just before the first group of models arrived.
Outside 50 Golborne, a vintage store – amongst others that donated clothing for the event, stood the Denim Chic models where they began to pose. Inspired from runways such as Jen Kao and Veronica Beard, double denim, 90s jeans and denim jackets have already hit the streets as a popular trend this season.
Following the Flash Fashion flag, Denim Chic moved down Golborne Road towards the Portobello Market. Soon after, the next group of models appeared. The theme, Woodstock. A 1960s hippy trend. Earth browns and bold greens were worn by the male models and women wore bright colours like those seen on Carven and Etro‘s Spring/Summer ’14 runways. The models posed in front of the landmark Trellick Tower embracing the laid back, festival look.
Flash Fashion
Square Route, a take on the tartan tend from last year had already visited Portobello Market before reaching Golborne Road, volunteer model, Sam Alleyne said how going through Portobello Market "was nice because we were interacting with all the stall holders". Tartan is set to be popping up again, this coming Autumn/Winter, as seen at the Vivienne Westwood and Sacai collections. Sam continued to say she thought the clothing was "quite high fashion".
The final look at Flash Fashion was College Road Trip, a theme inspired by the growing popularity of American trends on the catwalks this year, such as Ashish and Moschino. Flash Fashion chose to take on American Varsity - football and baseball shirts teamed with Converse in patriotic colours.
After a quick break, the models took to the stage in Acklam Village for the finale catwalk. Executive Producer, Mark Atkinson, thanked the volunteer models and announced the winner of this years LOOK Photo Challenge. A competition in which photographers capture the diverse area around Notting Hill and where the locals and visitors on the day can vote for their winner. This year John Muriel was the winner of the Challenge, he said "I feel really privileged [to have won]. Just getting my name out there is a good start."
The markets in Golborne Road and Portobello Road are visited frequently by designers, editors and stylists. It is known that Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith visit the markets for inspiration. Flash Fashion is therefore, an important event as it’s goal is to promote creativity and diversity in the area; values in which these designers seek.
The second Flash Fashion event this year will take place in September to coincide with London Fashion Week and plans for it have already begun.
Alexandra Browne
Woodstock
Square Root
College Road Trip in Golborne Road
Denim Chic, Woodstock, Square Route and College Road Trip at the finale in Acklam Village