Although Halpern is shown in London, the American-born designer Michael Halpern knows how to bring that sweet Americana flare to his show during London Fashion Week. On the coattails of New York Fashion Week, I was interested to see what London had to offer.
The show paid tribute to the 60th anniversary of Barbie’s Dreamhouse with his spring collection, which toted glitter, bedazzlements, color, and over-the-top gestures.
“I grew up very, very liberal in New York. It was never like girls play with this and boys play with that,” the American-born designer shared to WWD backstage. “It’s allowing people to have a bit of fantasy and escapism at a time of darkness.” For the show, Halpern went with everything that the brand has come to be known for, including floor-sweeping evening gowns and attire that made you feel like you were partying uptown in Harlem in the ’70s or ’80s.
For hair, slicked-back high ponytails continued the Barbiecore inspiration, with strong winged cat eye makeup looks and glitter eye shadows dominated models of all skin tones. Some models sported large door knocker earrings of all colors and gradients, and skin was prepped and shined to give the glisten of a good night on the town. Dewy. Sexy. Dramatic.
With an ode to the past for this show, Halpern turned to timely news to start the show. The opening look, a beautiful shade of blue and neoprene green, paid tribute to the newly passed Queen. Personally, it has been wonderful seeing how fashion brands have stepped in to honor the Queen.
“When I see ruffles and texture, it brings me complete joy,” Halpern said to Vogue UK. “Fashion being harnessed to create fantasy.”
