Cleo B launches S/S 2010 collection at LFW

CITY OF GOLDEN DREAMS
The Spring/Summer 2010 collection from British design talent Cleo Barbour

The Spring-Summer 2010 collection from innovative new designer Cleo Barbour showcases a distinctive footwear range that is abundant with personality and retains the signature Cleo B elements of characteristically fun and sexy footwear. From her deep set fascination with femininity and the natural world, this season’s collection sees these influences develop to meet with elements of the urban metropolis and bold structural design.

Inspired by Art Deco architecture and the distinctive New York skyline, the collection is entitled ‘City of Golden Dreams’ which depicts both the style of the collection and also the key Cleo B customer – a woman who wants desirable and wearable luxury footwear whilst keeping an eye on the price tag. All styles are named after recognized New York streets and the city influences are seen in the sharp edged cross over cut outs on the Tribeca wedge, the metallic grey glass adornment on the Madison pump and the strong lines on the strappy Bleecker sandal.

The diverse range of 15 styles includes shoe boots with bold cut out features, feminine strap detail sandals, fresh espadrille flats and the revival of the 1950’s shoe classic; the mule. Another notable design within the collection is the curved wedge – a signature Cleo B shape. Mimicking the female form, the Cleo B wedge is both utilitarian and ultimately feminine and highlights the designer’s concern with creating a collection that is fashion-forward, accessible and with a universally female appeal.

The colour palette sees delicate pastels and neutral glossy leathers off-set with lustrous bright metallic snakeskin inserts and trims, mirroring the bright city lights and smooth shiny surfaces of the metropolitan skyscrapers. The designer’s love for strong colourways and ultra-modern contrasting colours is found amongst bold fuchsia patent, turquoise cracked metallic and purple patent leather.

In the Spring-Summer 2010 range the whimsical meets the wearable and a natural progression is seen from Cleo’s debut collection – fluid outlines and rounded shapes evolve to strong straight lines and sharper linear shapes. Blending her love of nature and bold colourways with the urban landscape – curved peeptoes and wedge heels are combined with bold zig-zag cut out detailing, rectangular silhouettes and structured glass adornments.

Attention to detail is key in Cleo B’s designs and this season’s adornments are in the shape of the solid tri-colour glass structures gracing the glamorous flat Madison pumps and Soho peep toe courts and shiny metallic studs that are featured all over the Lexington shoe boot and as delicate detailing on the Layfayette pump.

‘City of Golden Dreams’ is the second collection from Cleo B, the exciting new footwear brand that has already received high industry acclaim for the debut range ‘Birds of Paradise’. Having been snapped up by London’s renowned Dover Street Market and a number of other exclusive stockists nationwide, the brand also has a wide celebrity following and is the buzz footwear label for the coming season.