Talking to Laura just a few hours before her show, she quips: “The furniture just arrived. We have to assemble an entire set in like half an hour.” They must’ve finished in record time because at 5:56pm the show started; I was able to sneak in quietly (I’m a low-flyer, even in my obnoxious banana yellow ensemble) – however, that was not the fate of many who had lined up to see her show. They remained in line as the studio curtains-cum-doors were shut closed, over-capacity. (If you ask me, she could’ve played tradesies with Thomas Bálint who barely filled the front row of the runway room at 5 o’clock and sent the same model in the same outfit, down the runway three goddamn times).
Back in the jam-packed studio, I unapologetically propped myself up on some fashion blogger’s shoulder pads to get a glimpse of Laura’s collection. In case you’re wondering, the set was reminiscent of a log cabin interior: wax candles, a plush chair, wooden table and cast-iron stools. The models wore long kaftans, triple-wrapped scarves and wide-brimmed, cowgirl hats. Global News called it a “Spaghetti Western” – I have to agree, even if the soundtrack was more chill-house than Ennio Morricone. The taste was there.
Siegel is an interesting designer because she is able to balance commercial aims with eco-consciousness, employing Kenyan artisans to handcraft the jewellery for this collection. Her own handy-work goes into the dyeing and embroidery of the textiles, which came in earthy tones of green, brown and cream. I could easily see Olivia Wilde in one of her floor-length kaftans – baby bump and all.
And on behalf of some fashion blogger’s shoulder pads, for heaven’s sake, get this girl a runway room next season.
