The Anglo-French duo Edward Meadham and Benjamin Kirchhoff met at Central Saint Martins, where Meadham studied womenswear and Kirchhoff menswear. The pair formed the London based Meadham Kirchhoff label in 2002 and went on to win the ‘Emerging Talent – Ready-to-Wear’ award at the British Fashion Awards in 2010. Known for presenting eclectic and intricately finished collections against theatrically staged and often surreal settings, the designers cite influences as varied as Courtney Love, Chanel, The Riot Grrrls and traditional portraiture.

Look 13 A/W 2010
This ensemble consists of many layers in brightly coloured, patterned tones from a thin paper crown to a thick leather jacket. This collection marked the point that their signature style came together. It was a significant departure in terms of style for the designers who, up until this point, had favoured paired-down, minimal tailoring presented against an equally minimal back drop. "This one came as a total stream of consciousness," explained Meadham. "It's eclectic dressing-up-box pretty things, Christmas cracker crowns, painted biker jackets. We just wanted drama. For it to be a visual assault"