Molly Goddard’s Modern Take On Carefree Adolescence
Molly Goddard embraces childlike, carefree spirit in her latest collection whilst exploring western themes as well as the iconic voluminous silhouettes and vibrant colours making Goddard’s collection
Molly Goddard’s vision for her 2024 Autumn/ Winter collection was revealed to the audience without the first models even walking. Nostalgic hip hop played over the speakers as the audience settled into their seats, unaware of their involuntary foot tapping or head nodding. The edgy, effortless beat repeated for the shows entirety, becoming quite mesmerising, much like Goddard’s collection.
Models confidentially donned Goddard’s iconic taffeta and tulle textures, with her fantastical silhouettes coming together beautifully with Western inspiration. The collection exudes vibrancy and playfulness, with the layered draping of the extravagant skirts and dresses fall and flow off her models’ figures, with the piece’s unrestrictive nature seemingly comfortable and freeing. Pieces ranged from vibrant pinks to exquisite purples but what shone through was Goddard’s childlike and unrestrictive silhouettes. Despite Molly Goddard claiming she had no theme in mind, childrenswear was her starting inspiration. She told Vouge “I just find kids’ clothing so much more interesting to work from. They’re cheaper to make and so there’s usually a lot more detail in them.” Perhaps the recent birth of Goddard’s second baby prompted this modern vision of childrenswear. Her pieces are youthful and childlike without being silly or caricaturist. Goddard’s classy, feminine touch allows for her inspiration to become a subtilty rather than a novelty.
Goddard paired exquisite voluminous skirts with excellently crafted knitted jumpers, this contrast of fabrics and styles was executed wonderfully, showing Molly Goddard’s bold silhouettes to be wearable yet also classically eye-catching and bold. Bringing in rustic western style charm, Goddard explored feminine denim embroidered with roses and beautifully structured shirts as well as an innovation of Mary Jane- cowboy boots. These country-themed looks remain affiliated with Goddard’s love of femininity yet have an androgynous edge which is present in modern trends.
With Goddard’s adolescent theme coming to the forefront of her collection, makeup choices reflected this. Models shone with bare faces except for bold lipstick colours, with striking reds and pinks complementing the looks. Interestingly every model wore their hair swept back and extremely short or tied in a low ponytail. This style evokes imagery of bed hair which is, painfully, non-discriminatory. Once more this hair choice feels in tune with the collection, there is a childish, carefree spirit in which hairstyle and hair condition is unimportant and irrelevant. Most children are far too busy running around causing chaos to care about their hair. Even more so, the simplistic nature of hair and makeup allows for the clothes to truly sing.
Defining this collection is Molly Goddard’s vision as a designer, it is clear the models seem comfortable and confident in the large, slouchy silhouettes. This is crucial to Goddard who puts comfort at the forefront of her designs, “I want people to feel comfortable and confident. Dressing up should lift your spirits and make you feel happy.” Despite the carefully structured dresses taking up physical space and attention, the looks are effortlessly cool.
Perhaps the audacious style of pieces in this collection and previous Molly Goddard collections reflect the British designer herself. Graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2014, that was also the year Goddard set up her brand which 10 years on, has become world-renowned and celebrity loved. Just last year Harry Styles, who is known for his experimental fashion, was painted by artist David Hockney, to the designer’s surprise, Styles wore a vibrant orange striped Molly Goddard cardigan, the signer and the designer both simultaneously became immortalised in Hockney’s art. At 36 years old, Goddard’s fashion has become timeless within the wider artistic world.
Goddard marvelously danced on the fine line between modern trends and her own visions as a designer; cowboy and Western influences began to seep into popular culture with Beyoncé announcing the release of a country album at the end of March, Goddard subtly reflected this developing trend whilst maintaining her iconic tulle and ruffle style.
The audience filling Cecil Sharp House in Primrose Hill thanked Goddard for a fantastic insight into her extraordinary world. As the models disappeared out the room so did the positive vibrancy Molly Goddard’s designs brought to London Fashion weeks 40th anniversary.