The restored Alexandra Palace makes its debut in Simone Rocha’s SS20 catwalk show

Simone Rocha used London’s storied Alexandra Palace as the backdrop to her whimsical SS20 catwalk show yesterday – the first time the venue has ever hosted a fashion show.

The restored Victorian theatre reopened last year after being shuttered for 80 years, though architects Feilden-Clegg Bradley minimised their interventions, choosing to shore up the structure and leave its peeling and patinaed brick walls intact as much as possible.

Irish designer Rocha used the building’s faded grandeur to mesmerising effect for her show, inspired by the Celtic tradition of Wrenday. Models walked down a bare floorboard runway dressed in floating embroidered dresses with frilly necklines, and doily-lace skirts.

Guests meanwhile looked on from the newly installed balcony – including editor Anna Wintour.

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