The world of fashion is often inspired by personal stories, and the Spring/Summer 2024 collection by Richard Quinn is a heartfelt testament to this. Honoring the memory of his late father, Patrick, Quinn presents a masterful array of designs that not only encapsulate his personal journey but also underscore his dedication to creating a renowned London fashion house. This collection, while marked by grief, transformed sorrow into an ethereal celebration, shedding light on the extraordinary talent of Richard Quinn and his resolute commitment to his roots.
Emotion filled the air as the Spring/Summer 2024 collection by Richard Quinn unfolded in a ballroom adorned with fresh flowers and a live men’s choir. The atmosphere was infused with a sense of poignancy, as the designer used this occasion to pay homage to his father, Patrick, who had passed away the previous June. This was not just a showcase of fashion; it was a deeply personal tribute, carefully crafted to reflect the memories and experiences that shaped Quinn as a person and a designer.
The show opened with a striking ballet performance, featuring dancers twirling in black tutus embellished with flowers, a choreography that resonated with the designer’s Irish heritage. Quinn’s parents, both Irish, instilled in him a love for the arts, supporting his passion without question. This support laid the foundation for Quinn’s ambitious vision: to establish a fashion house in London rather than just a brand. A vision that, over the past five years, has transformed into a remarkable reality, attracting couture clients from around the globe.
Richard Quinn’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection marked a departure from the dramatic theatrics often associated with his shows. Gone were the latex and masks, replaced by elegantly styled hair by Sam McKnight and models walking closely to the audience. This shift allowed the intricate details and lightness of the dresses to truly shine, evoking a sense of haute couture that London has not witnessed in decades. The collection featured a dazzling array of cocktail dresses and evening gowns adorned with Swarovski crystals, meticulous embroidery, and caged skirts inspired by the glass cupola dominating the room.
The collection encompassed a range of styles, from gowns with bustles and trains to sleek, narrow dresses belted with velvet sashes. Long gloves accentuated the elegance of the display, while top models Caroline Trentini and Jessica Stam graced the runway, the latter dressed in a delicately beaded gold jumpsuit and opera coat.
As the show reached its climax, a live chamber orchestra and choir performed a spirited rendition of “Quinn the Eskimo,” a song by Bob Dylan popularized by Manfred Mann. The refrain, “Come all without; come all within, you’ll not see nothing like the mighty Quinn,” resonated with the audience, encapsulating the essence of the collection and the designer himself.
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©Photo: Richard Quinn
