Just when we were beginning to think irreverence on London runways was a relic of the past, comes along Gareth Pugh. The young Central Saint Martins grad’s debut reveals a deviant penchant for shock value. Think Cirque du Soleil meets the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Vinyl body-suits, pointy hats, towering boots, powdered faces and the dominatrix harlequins are appropriately dolled up for your viewing pleasure.

There is something to be said about the British tradition of treating the catwalk as a theatrical stage. After all, this is the land that produced revolutionary talents like Westwood and Galliano. Hence, Gareth Pugh’s ambitious bid to blow our Wolford stockings off is the current articulation of a long lasting culture of defiance. Mr. Pugh’s collection may not have bright retail prospects, but then again, there is always Elton John to wear the unthinkable.

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