'Go mango!' read the stacks of boxes atop the tarp stalls built as a scene. Stacked crates litter the corners, a mini market sets the mood for Molly Goddard's S/S 19 show. One thought of warmer climes or at the very least a neighbourhood market in Goddard's homestead of West London.
The hubbub around Goddard these days is electric. With her cascades of tulle and femme form, her signature style has not only created a clientele hungry for her frills but has crowds of copycats to boot. The mass at this show was practically salivating, elbows akimbo - some didn't make it inside. It's this intense hype that is perhaps why Goddard has taken a different path this season. As if a rebuttal to the now plentiful versions of her work, Goddard has shifted for S/S 19.
Fret not, the ruffles were still present and accounted for - particularly brilliant in the almost Comme des Garçons-like white baby doll - but most were tight to the form, packed in around the breast or dramatically thick around the hemline. The latter felt in tune with the mangoes and market - one thought of flamenco, of sunshine, of frolicking. What had really changed here were the streamlined silhouettes; mini shorts and jacket, slinky dresses in fresh greens and glitter (the best were accessorised with a head of cabbage) and graphic floral prints in slim-line cardigan combo were sublime.
The prints, sheer polka-dots, MG monogram stitching, open backs and flip-flop stylings were all surprise additions to the Goddard collective; sweet touches that softened the bulbous ruffles and shapes. This was an exciting new step for Goddard and despite the tightly packed tulle, felt more wearable than before. Go mango, go Molly!