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All posts in Fashion Equations

A mathematical guide to the key inspirations and references in designers' collections by Laura Bradley, illustrated by Tom Baxter

  • Christopher Kane A/W13

    Fashion Equations | Christopher Kane A/W13

    One can always rely on Christopher Kane to serve up diverse ingredients for an interesting Fashion Equation. This season, his collection was more anticipated than most...

  • Viktor & Rolf A/W12

    Fashion Equations | Viktor & Rolf A/W12

    Viktor and Rolf's latest collection brings to mind some interesting points of reference – the Full Moon, traditional silhouette portraits and the horticultural practice of topiary...

  • Louise Gray A/W12

    Fashion Equations | Louise Gray A/W12

    For autumn/winter 2012, London-based designer Louise Gray's references were plucked straight from her youth: Zillah Minx, lead vocalist of Gothic Anarcho-punk band Rubella Ballet and the 80s arcade game Pac-Man...

  • Maison Martin Margiela S/S12

    Fashion Equations | Maison Martin Margiela S/S12 Womenswear

    In typical Maison Martin Margiela fashion, the house's S/S12 collection took inspiration from everyday items, from a household rug, a plastic carrier bag and leaves...

  • Céline Pre-Fall 2013

    Fashion Equations | Céline Pre-Fall 2013

    Phoebe Philo's pre-fall 2013 collection for Céline brought to mind Pearly King and Queens, the traditional boater hat and childhood classic The Worst Witch...

  • Mulberry A/W12

    Fashion Equations | Mulberry A/W12

    With only a few weeks left to buy the autumn/winter 2012 collections, or perhaps bargain in the Christmas sales, we thought it wholly appropriate to end this season of Fashion Equations...

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    Fashion Equations | Azzedine Alaïa A/W12

    For autumn/winter 2012, Azzedine Alaïa's collection brought to mind The Little Mermaid's Ursula, reptiles and monasteries...

  • Balenciaga A/W12

    Fashion Equations | Balenciaga A/W12 Womenswear

    The corporate office – with its aesthetics, dynamics, structures, business jargon and stereotypes – has long provided a source of inspiration. For A/W12, Nicolas Ghesquière offered up his own...

  • Yves Saint Laurent A/W12

    Fashion Equations | Yves Saint Laurent Womenswear A/W12

    Kicking off the A/W12 season of Fashion Equations is Stefano Pilati's final collection for Yves Saint Laurent, bringing together reference points of Calla lilies, wasps and chainmail...

  • Céline S/S12

    Fashion Equations | Céline S/S12 Womenswear

    Since her appointment at Céline two years ago, Phoebe Philo has placed inspiration books on the seats of editors' chairs, bursting with brilliant abstract references. Of course, for our first Céline Fashion Equation we thought it more fun...

  • Burberry S/S12

    Fashion Equations | Burberry Menswear S/S12

    For spring/summer 2012, Christopher Bailey's menswear collection for Burberry brought to mind the iconic Hovis "boy with the bike" and made use of birds and the evil eye...

  • Christopher Kane S/S12

    Fashion Equations | Christopher Kane S/S12 Womenswear

    With a back catalogue of references including Gorillas, Rambo, Crocodile Dundee, Big Bird, Christopher Kane is a Fashion Equationers dream. This season he looked at peeling floral wallpaper, cricket jumpers and council estates...