Say yes to the (baby) dress with Molly Goddard for SS22
This season, the British designer revisits her childhood with a nostalgic and visceral collection.
DESIGNER: MOLLY GODDARD
SEASON: Spring/Summer 2022
EVENT: London Fashion Week
LOCATION: On the URL
Record scratch sounds. Piano beats. Laughs. And then, that initial glimpse of a recognisable, yet unseen first look. A smocked top that resembles a sized-up baby dress with puffy sleeves, in surprising harmony with what could have been a fatal partner – a pair of wide-leg denim jeans that hides the model’s legs and reaches the floor, only showing the tip of the almost-unnoticeable shamrock green ballet flats. The show, pre-recorded, starts.
Eight months pregnant, Molly Goddard entered the ideation phase of her SS22 collection with one question in mind – what would her as-yet-unborn child wear over their first years of existence? The answer could only come after a walk down the memory lane, revisiting what she had worn herself as an infant and anticipating the exciting time ahead with her future child.
The result? An array of garments that has been purposely infused with repetition and familiarity, acquiring a nostalgic and visceral aura that links to the designer’s childhood. Her own baby dresses have been sized up up to 20 times to become dainty-not-dainty frothing gowns made out of reams of tulle and taffeta. A frock abundance that’s already a Molly Goddard classic.
Crayola colours and bright pastels tint the Guernsey sweaters, Aran-knit cardigans, flared trench coats and stripy tights that complete the collection. Pieces that feel alive, growing up from start to finish as if they were transitioning from the early stages of life to almost adolescent beings. From those luminous baby dresses to blouse-like frocks in darker tones, adorned with pussy bows and frothing touches. A more serious, less naïve vibe that still keeps the energy and playfulness through the pops of colour and pattern clashes that hint at our inner child.
As the pregnancy advanced, Molly Goddard required the help of her sister and stylist Alice to finish the collection, an extra contribution to the family warmth of the final offerings. “I don’t have a design team so she was my go-between with the studio while I was on maternity leave,” Goddard explains. Already enjoying the company of her newborn child, the London-based designer has expressed her willingness to return to full runway shows next season. We can’t wait.
Images courtesy of Molly Goddard.
FASHION WEEK is here to catch you up on the latest trends, designers and lewks direct from the runway with a focus on the best of next generation talent. Whether your cup of tea is giant inflatable balloons parading through the crowd or multi-coloured knitted sweaters, we’ve got something for you.