Una Rodden ‘Usine’ Collection
Arriving at Aether & Echo before Una Rodden’s fashion event I had a ‘fashion gasp’ moment as I sprinted my eyes over the looks trying to take in all the detail at once.
Dressed ethereal silks and chiffons from Una’s Usine Collection styled up with oversized statement necklaces, layered belts and bondage inspired black ribbon, the models posed as photographer Neil Kerr directed them for one of his signature shots – on expired Polaroid film.
Black faux fringes framed pale skin, with matte red lips for a truly dramatic effect.
Photography by Kelly McAllister
Una revealed her new collection ‘Usine’ with the premier of the fashion film shot and directed by Neil Kerr.
The Usine Collection (pronounced “Ooo zine”), which means factory or industrial space in French, gives a nod to the industrial setting for the fashion film and photoshoot, which was shot in a vast warehouse in Donegal.
“We presented our last collection with a fashion film and an art-style installation at the Meter House in the Gasworks and we wanted to step it up a notch with a really creative way of showing our work but also in a setting where people can see the garments and touch the fabrics up-close and personal,” said Una.
“We also wanted to show a good range of what we sell in the shop as people tend to think everything I do is couture but we have a full collection that customers can choose from and tweak and change so they’re getting something unique but they’re not starting completely from scratch so it’s more affordable than they think. We also have some gorgeous pieces in the shop from independent labels that we buy in from Paris so again you’re getting something in the price range of Ted Baker and Reiss but these pieces aren’t available anywhere else in in Northern Ireland.”
The Usine collection incorporates luxurious natural fabrics including silk chiffon, wool, suede and leather as well as opulent embellished textures.
Softly structured gowns in Una’s signature drapery are given an edgy feel with industrial finishes including exposed zips and body-length fringing to add drama and bold lines for totally contrasting look and feel.
Neutral tones of pale cream, buttermilk and putty tones form the basis of the collection with surface texture detail including lace and crotchet.
Colours include super-fresh pastels in soft peach, delicate green and pale blue, and stronger tones of emerald green, black and gold.
One of the event highlights was an exclusive creative collaboration between fashion illustrator Sara O’Neill and Una Rodden. Pairing Una’s signature draped designs the printed silk fabric is based on Sara’s ‘Love me to death’ collection and has created incredibly unique fashion art pieces.
Click on the images below to view the full catwalk gallery. Photography by Kelly McAllister for Sugahfix.com
Fashion by Una Rodden
Fashion Film by Neil Kerr
Hair by Andrew Mulvenna
Make-up by D.J. Griffin
Styling by Jamie Russell
For more information contact Una Rodden boutique, 50 Upper Arthur Street, Belfast on 02890 248811 and [email protected]
