Post date: Feb 15, 2014 10:48:28 PM
British brand Hunter Original, known for their Wellington boots, debuts at LondonFashion Week.
LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (FEBRUARY 15, 2014) (REUTERS) - Splashing down the catwalk, that was how models showed off the new autumn/winter collection by heritage British fashion brand Hunter Original.
The label is famed for its Wellington boots that are worn by celebrities including Kate Moss and Sarah Jessica Parker. But they're also a wardrobe staple at British music festivals, often spotted on the feet of many festival goers.For Hunter this show was an opportunity to launch the brand to an international audience with their debut London Fashion Week show taking place on Saturday (February 15), the second day of the five day fashion extravaganza.
The collection featured designs for both men and women, with wellies reworked to include a heel for women. And for men the traditional boot took on the shape of a rubber ankle boot.
The company was founded in the Scottish city of Edinburgh in 1856 and has been making its original boot since 1956 to withstand the elements.
The audience was transported to an indoor woodland setting where models showed off raincoats, ponchos and puffa coats at times teamed with rucksacks and handbags.
The show was watched by U.S. Vogue Editor Anna Wintour and fashion designer Stella McCartney, whose husband Alasdhair Willis is creative director of the brand.
Hunter's show on the London Fashion Week calendar marks a first for the British brand, which received substantial investment to expand internationally after U.S. private equity firm Searchlight bought a majority stake in 2011.
The show concluded with a magical ending, with British magician Dynamo performing a trick flanked by models.
Hunter's catwalk show comes at a time when Britain has recorded its wettest winter in more than 200 years, with parts of the country flooded and severe flood warnings remaining in place.