Erin Williams S/S 2010

The Erin Williams’ collection of bathing suits at Alberta Fashion Week was very short, like the summer we just had.

I am not certain what warranted such a limited collection. Was it because Williams was slated to show earlier in the day and was added to the evening docket last minute? Or was it due to the fact that winter is upon us and there is no room for the imagination of warmth?

Either way, there were not enough items presented to leave with a satisfied feeling after her set, especially on the last night of the week, even though, for a brief moment, audience members forgot about the blistering frost that awaited them outside the venue doors.

Electrifying beats, accompanied with loud-neon swimsuits and bikinis took us to a place of warmth, sunshine and margaritas.

The suits fit nicely on the models and accentuated curves and sleekness. Many of the pieces had a strip of material connecting the top-half of the bikini to the lower half. This element edified the slender cut of these garments.

The vibrant, neon blues, pinks and yellows were not the only attention grabbers on these swim suits. Diamond shaped patterns on the crotch and butt area ensure that whomever is wearing a Williams’ piece is seen.

Williams also experimented with a couple summer shawls. One of these garments, a solid tan colour was ornamented with a few jewels off the shoulder. Each sleeve was also complimented with strands of fabric hanging off each end. The piece was very natural, organic and seemed to be inspired by clothing of the Aboriginals.

These drapes however failed to work entirely. One neon pink cloak fit too large on the model and gave a sloppy presentation rather than a sophisticated beachwear piece. Perhaps if the cut was a little more fitting it would seem apt.

The pieces were in true “Build A Boy” fashion, colorful, bright and brought a unique cut to a sometimes played out genre of design.

But in order to fully get into the mood and dream of the summer to come, we really needed to see more from this designer who has been quoted as trying to move away from the similar designs of her street wear label.

Words by Ian Keteku

Photos by Oscar Lopez © 2009