THE FASHION
Big fashion themes of the evening were ‘Feminine Military,’ a trend recently restored by the likes of Lanvin and YSL, accompanied by ‘Natural World Prints,’ emulating the beauty of the natural world, ‘Fairytale’ and ‘Red Carpet Style’.
Key pieces included a strapless Alexander McQueen digital print dress, which was sent from London especially for the show. Another stand out piece was a fabulous purple dress by Halston Heritage which epitomised Studio 54 decadence.
The men’s trends ranged from Italian Riviera chic, to double denim and Brit Pop inspired brights.
Harvey Nichols Manchester was also proud to pay homage to the late designer Alexander McQueen by showcasing his pieces from his ‘Plato’s Atlantis’ collection, many of the pieces had been sent from London just for the occasion.
THE ARTIST
After the fashion show, I managed to catch up with the 34 year old rock singer turned artist. I discovered her husband Stuart runs artisan food company Silver Hill Foods and they have three children.
Helen Steele is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most promising artistic talents and her vividly coloured expressionist works have attracted praise from art critics both at home and abroad. She has never been afraid to take risks in art or fashion and she’s noted for her unconventional approach to both.
What inspired you to become an Artist?
“I went to the Bourke College of Art and Design, but I suppose even before that I spent all of my informative years at school scribbling and painting so it’s something that’s always been in me.
“I was studying art and fashion but I was also in a band. And at the time I wanted to launch my own label but unfortunately I didn’t have the finance. But I was selling my paintings for money and that was great.”
Has the recession affected your sales?
“From 2007-2008, I definitely felt the impact in Europe and the gallery I was with in Miami went into liquidation. But where the Western part of the world was really very stagnant, in fact the Middle East picked up.”
How did you become so international?
“Well, wherever I go I always have my business cards and go cold calling. It can be a bit embarrassing sometimes but I’ll pop into galleries anywhere, like New York, and just introduce myself.”
What is your home actually like? Is it neutral like a blank canvas or full of colour?
“It’s very vibrant. Our children obviously have some creativity in them and as all kids do they scribble all over the walls so I’ve had to give them their own graffiti patch.”
What’s your favourite piece from your own collection?
“I have rotating paintings which spin around and they’re fuelled by recycled duck fat from my husband’s farm.”
What’s next for Helen Steele?
“Tomorrow I go to London for the Fashion Fusion Art and Fashion Show, then on the 15th April I launch a collaboration with a Chef in Beijing. We’ve actually collaborated with the Chef from the Spanish restaurant, ‘el Bulli’. I’ve used traditional foods, like basil, and made paint out of it.”
For more information on Helen Steele, visit
www.helensteele.com
LIFE - 11
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74