Kelly Ewing Spring/Summer 2013

Kelly Ewing has gone from strength to strength since her label launch in 2008 and we're not surprised that the designer brand has done so well (featuring at fashion shows galore, appearing on the X Factor and now selling at LittleBlackDress.co.uk, no less). With her Vivienne Westwood-esque dresses and couture level attention to detail that comes in at a much more affordable price point we and the rest of fashion land are head over heels, or should that be bustles, for Kelly Ewing. Here we take a closer look at the signature style of the label and the hugely anticipated Spring/Summer 13 collection... Kelly Ewing is a northern girl at heart; originally from Glasgow, she has quickly become a firm favourite in its fashion scene. She grew up in Leeds, the city which ignited her love of fashion in which she studied at the College of Art and Design before doing a degree in Textile Design. She has since shown her collections at Leeds Fashion Show four years running, exhibiting clever cutting and her extensive knowledge of fabric construction. What defines Kelly's designs is her attention to structure and tailoring — gorgeous satin manipulated into peaks and architectural ruffles whipped into unusual shapes have become trademarks of her collections. This flair she attributes to Victorian Aristocracy and Pre-Raphaelite Romanticism, periods of society she finds inspiration in and lifts techniques directly from, such as her use of fully boned bodices. Having had her dresses feature on the X Factor, these influences clearly translate easily to the modern woman of 2013 — a woman who is feminine but not afraid to be independent; a woman who has a love for all things ‘rare and exceptional' as the designer puts it. So what's in store from the fiercely feminine and independent designer label this season at LittleBlackDress.co.uk? CLASSIC KELLY The 'Jessica' style dress has been a constant best seller for Kelly, so with a simple update and a more spring-friendly colour way she re-worked the classic in to the Kelly Ewing Jessica Dress in Bronze, ¬£200, for SS13. The hallmarks of her design are particularly prominent here with the asymmetrical hemline and structured folds, while the belt nips the waist in and ruffles give the dress movement. Such an incorporation of Kelly's classic features makes it an important piece to own and one that no doubt will stay in your occasion wear wardrobe for seasons to come, so get your hands on this season's version here now! PEEK-A-BOO STYLE Kelly clearly knows her stuff as both tan and coral are going to be huge this season, a good reason to invest now in a piece from the SS13 collection. And it's not just attention to this season's hues that have got Kelly Ewing on the same page as some of LFW's biggest names but also her ability to take trends that are perhaps not very 'Kelly Ewing' and put her own slant on them. In the Kelly Ewing Kayla Dress in Tan, ¬£100 fashion world's ever-growing love of cut-out detailing has been made ladylike, sophisticated and old world cool, something we didn't think possible. This piece is the essence of nonchalant chic and clearly influenced by the designer's love of Romanticism as well as modern runway styles. The cowl neck and exposed back go to accentuate the figure while her calling card tailoring creates an alluring contrast. Team LBD approves! FRESH EMBELLISHMENT Team LBD love a bit of sparkle, so of course we've all been fawning over the Kelly Ewing Aaliyah Dress in Ivory, ¬£155, from the new collection which works fashion's embellishment obsession to the max. We love how the white and gold combination givesthis evening-appropriate strapless dress a light, fresh feel and really screams summer party season. The peplum too remains for this season, being seen everywhere on catwalks from Vera Wang to Balmain, and of course Kelly Ewing, and further helps create a flattering silhouette. BOY-GIRL This little Kelly Ewing Sydney Dress in Nude, ¬£155 is a clever combination; girlish whimsy with the full mini skirt and boyish tailoring in the form of a peter pan collar (we don't have to keep telling you, this a HUGE look for SS13). The gently swinging pleats are a change from Kelly's usually complex structural designs, here choosing to focus just on the line of the dress with minimal details. The result is striking, working retro charm in a delicate shade of nude that is perfect for the coming season. Paired with tights this month or tanned pins come summer this is a great Saturday night party dress that needs very little from the accessories department. THE MIDI Fashion's love affair with the midi length dress is set to spill into 2013 (you can thank Valentino and Victoria Beckham for that one), a style that Ewing has been sure to feature in her new collection. The Kelly Ewing Ashleigh Dress, ¬£150, capitalises on the trend as a chic evening choice with contrasting shades of coral and muted silver, offset with a gold sash; colours that give a veiled nod to the summer season. The strapless bodice is boned for full support and a flawless silhouette too and the silky ruching not only flatters but gives this dress that extra pizazz making it a great wedding guest dress option. Shop all Kelly Ewing dresses here