Rock Steady S/S 2010
Jennifer Shepherd’s Rock Steady collection is a fusion of romantic frills, vigorous checks, and glaring colour. The vibrant Spring/Summer collection was light hearted. Perfect for a girl who wants to express her individuality and devotion to the punk rock style.
The collection revealed some innovative pieces such as the “highlighter” blue checkered, hooded, racer back dress and a lime, exaggerated cowl-neck dress that could be mistaken for a giant scarf. Shepherd managed to insert draping and more couture-like techniques into her designs, making them contemporary and youthful, but her expertise of these methods is not yet at its prime.
Shepherd’s collection would have been stronger if it was more layered and diverse; we would have liked to see Rock Steady’s take on a smart, but edgy bomber jacket, raincoat, or trouser. The collection also lacked attention to detail. Shoes were ill-suited to the collection and behind a season, an embellished architectural heel would have pushed collection forward.
Critics however were surprised however by chain link accesories which draped the necks, wrists and chests of the models. This lustrous element accented the vivid colours and bold shapes of the garments. As one model sauntered down the catwalk in a blue bikini, the metallic ornament adorned across her waist glistened as it swayed under the catwalk lights.
One audience member jokingly asked, “How are you going to have a bikini that rusts?”
Most onlookers didn’t care as they focused attentively to the striking collection.
In all? Rock Steady has potential. With further dedication and focus, Shepherd will be able to usher her house into a more streamlined position. Rock Steady did not push any design boundaries but reminded Alberta Fashion Week of the pervasive dialogue between music and fashion.
By Melissa Wusaty and Ian Keteku
Photos by David Austin © 2009
