His youthful spring/summer 14 collection ‘Varsity’ was a nod to preppy sportswear, albeit a glamorous one. The collection was an artful juxtaposition of textures that melded matte crocodile-like embossed fabrics, thoughtfully placed stripes and just the right number of sequins.
The silhouette was initially loose, dark and sporty, showing another side of Perry before giving way to the Perry we mostly know with figure hugging body conscious columns of cloth, bared midriffs and lots of colour and sparkle that took the viewer from the gymnasium to the prom.
There were short skater-style dresses in candy colours – sherbet yellow and peach, as well as black and navy, sprinkled with sequins.
Our favourite, however, was a sleeved orange lace fitted sheath dress with bold navy, yellow and orange stripes.
At the start of the show pace began slowly as bells tolled throughout the soundtrack, then steadily increased in tempo to a pulsing techno beat that Perry loves best. As the models stepped up to the pace, one came tumbling down, crashing midway along the catwalk after tripping on the long hem of her black frock. She picked herself up and removed her shoes. The only choice she had in that moment.
The show was opened and closed by Brazilian supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio, though Perry himself led the charge for the finale.
