Sophia Webster AW16 - Gothic Romance

“The collection is totally inspired by my favourite Tim Burton movie Beetlejuice, and the character Winona Ryder plays, Lydia Deetz. "She is the muse for the collection, that’s the character that models are embodying. Then we have the corpse bride, who at the end of the film disintegrates into butterflies.” Sophia Webster
Nothing like we have seen from her before, Sophia Webster is normally an uber girly designer, however she retained the quirky touches she is known for but added a touch of gothic princess to this seasons collection. With classics we know and love, such as the butterfly heels and slogan bags updated to fit the dark and brooding theme alongside plenty of new styles to tempt us to the dark side and i have to say, i loved it.

The first element of the collection is the black and gold pieces. Lots of sleek stiletto shapes with butterflies in laser cut leather and mesh panels giving a very dark romance to the styles, yet keeping the femininity we have come to expect from her designs. My favourites would have to be the top image - the black mesh & velvet open toe boot, with back zip, lace up detail and gorgeous rose gold hardware - a true statement boot. 

Next up sumptious brocade uppers and jewel encrusted heels, these three would add a touch of opulence to any outfit. I love the simplicity of the flat MJ style, mixing a simple shoe with amazing textures without it being to overpowering and again those boots are amazing and would make any everyday outfit pop with style.

This element of the collection is more what we are used to from Webster - metallic's, pastel shades and lots of floral/butterfly embellishment. A beautiful colour palette and detailing - although i do find the floral knee high stilettos a little much, but i love the ankle version as the rainbow colours are amazing. The see through boots with butterfly's adorning the cuff and down the foot are gorgeous and a different take on the traditional ankle boot - which seems to be a key shape in this collection.

More sparkles this time with a dramatic red velvet upper and jeweled soles - a great combination, could see these being the perfect Christmas party shoe styled with a LBD. Again love the simple flat MJ style with a touch of sparkle on the low block heel, perfect for pairing with your favourite skinny jeans.

A smaller collection of bags this time round, but all as beautiful as their shoe counterparts. Which would you go for - a sparkly box clutch or a statement slogan? Think i would have to chose the black and rose gold chain bag as my favourite - i am a sucker for anything rose gold and i love the simple shape.

Finally the centre piece of this years presentation was the "corpse bride" in her stunning wedding dress designed by Edward Meadham of Meadham Kirchhoff and the accompanying accessories. Intricate mesh laced heels and a "Wifey for lifey" vintage style clutch perfectly completed the look - makes me a little sad i am already a wifey, would have loved these shoes for my wedding day.

All images in this post from Vogue.co.uk and lead image credit: Inthefrow

This video captures the essence of the event and showcases the amazing setting for this spine chilling collection - the House of St. Barnabas church in London's Soho quarter.

Sophia Webster’s shoes are the kind of shoes that make an outfit. In fact, they are the outfit! and she is hands down one of the best shoe designers around and i cannot wait for the SS17 presentation to see what she has in store for us.

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