Craig Lawrence

'I design for anyone who's daring enough to wear my clothes', says Craig Lawrence, one of London's brightest new designers. Lawrence has become something of a young prodigy, having been awarded the British Fashion Council's NEWGEN award four seasons running and whose college years at Central Saint Martins were spent designing knitwear for provocative designer Gareth Pugh.

Yesterday saw the launch of Lawrence's A/W collection for experimental London boutique Machine-A, focussed on separates and showcasing Lawrence's signature experimental knitwear. 'This special project with Machine-A was really about working on more accessible pieces, it's still using the same techniques but creating separates to make it more accessible', says Lawrence, whose designs have already been worn by avant-garde personalities such as Lady Gaga and Björk. In a duotone palette of gold metallic and black yarns, an array of slinky, body-conscious crop tops, mini-dresses, cycling shorts and Lawrence's favourite piece, a pair of gloves, offered a youthful, disheveled glamour. 'But it's all in a London style, it's very street in a way', emphasised Lawrence.

Without a doubt, these were highly desirable pieces, exuding a freedom and refined playfulness. A name to be watched.

Sophie Pinchetti
www.showstudio.com