Designer Discovery; Neurotica

“Short Fiction”, Neurotica’s latest collection for Autumn Winter 08/09 owes as much to its creators’ integrity as it does to the Scandinavian winters and mythologies which have inspired it. Being at once fragile and tailored, sophisticated and gentle the collection is true to the ‘dressed up dressed down’ aesthetic of the label. The collection is essentially feminine yet strong and assertive and most importantly highly wearable.

Drawing inspiration from fairytales, myths, faraway lands, Scandinavian folklore and the intangible feeling of nostalgia associated with old photos and dusty attics, designer Victoria McGrane has created a collection of musings reflected in three main prints –‘Mythical Creatures’, ‘Stormrider’ and ‘Faraway Tree’. Inky hand drawn images add a whimsical narrative to the bold silhouette of the collection. With ‘Alice’ a pleated, pocketed slim fit trouser in combed cotton, printed in moody ‘Stormrider’ and matched with a lightweight jersey batwing top of softly drawn birds, a dreamy feeling is evoked in a somewhat sharp and self-assured outfit. The “Persephone” dress features the striking “Mythical Creatures” Pegasus print complimented by a heart shaped bodice.

Using sublime materials of silk and superfine Italian cotton jersey all fabrics are 100% natural and the collection is produced entirely in the UK. A colour palette of muted tones of steel grey, pewter and nude, take on a self reflective and tranquil quality reinforced by the prints.