Michelle Lowe-Holder‘s A/W 09 collection takes advantage of the art of “smocking” to create some experimental pieces which are sure to add a new layer to your wardrobe.

For those not in the know, smocking is a practice that makes garments “stretch”without the use of elastic. It’s an embrodery technique that was used in the Middle Ages to make clothes that were functional to use in the fields, offering comfort and fastening without the use of buttons.

In order to make her unique pieces, Michelle first produces variants of actual physical smocking on dresses and separates and then replicates the smocking pattern with a print. As opposed to the traditional forms of smocking, she’s gone for knitwear in soft colors, incorporating black to add weight. The effect can be greatly seen in the above pictured pale blue and peach combo, which really makes her pieces artmanship shine.