London Fashion Week AW17: A retro House of Holland clashes cowboys, racing and Clueless

<i>House of Holland sent out a show full of Americana references [Photo: PA]</i>
House of Holland sent out a show full of Americana references [Photo: PA]

Henry Holland may have celebrated his tenth anniversary last season but that didn’t stop him from pulling out all the stops once again.

Collating a whole mixture of references stretching from Western territory to race tracks, the fun-is-foremost designer majorly clashed prints.

Pink race flag patterns juxtaposed with cow hide. American flag Stars and Stripes also made an appearance (albeit not together). Henry didn’t forget his slogan love, brandishing the (slightly twisted) word ‘Daddy’ across tees and the show invite itself.

<i>Clueless was one of the films Henry seemed to be inspired by [Photo: PA]</i>
Clueless was one of the films Henry seemed to be inspired by [Photo: PA]

Shaggy coats were paired with short skirts and fishnet tights while camo mini dresses followed metallic ruffled ensembles. The label had also collaborated with Woody Woodpecker, splashing the cartoon character on easily sellable bomber jackets.

The entire collection seemed to be an ode to America and all its old-school Hollywood stereotypes. Film genres played out from a gunslinging cowboy epic to a fashion-forward remake of Fast and Furious. Even a Cher Horowitz-style kilt got its turn in the limelight.

<i>A Woody Woodpecker collaboration was a surprising addition [Photo: Getty]</i>
A Woody Woodpecker collaboration was a surprising addition [Photo: Getty]

The Stateside inspiration comes at an interesting time when you consider the damning effect new President Donald Trump has had on the country and many of its people. Although Henry didn’t seem to be making a political statement, the fact that he focused his entire collection on the nation says something in itself – no matter how subtle.

Perhaps this is Holland’s way of lightening up what seems like a hopeless situation. Or maybe it’s nothing more than what he likes to watch on a Sunday afternoon.

Either way, House of Holland is on top once again.

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