I’d like to tell you a Ghost story – not one of the spooky variety, but one that began nearly thirty years ago when I stumbled upon a stand at London Fashion Week. The rails of clothing were overflowing with loose, fluid pieces in the most delicious washed-out-hues (think pistachio, rose, cornflower, snow, putty…), they were infinitely layer-able, insanely flattering and they made instant sense and helped forge the style I’ve adopted since. Call it a fashion revelation of sorts and most definitely the start of an adult-long obsession. I have to fess-up to owning around 70 pieces of Ghost, acquired from right at the beginning when founder Tanya Sarne was at the helm, through the LFW catwalk show years and (after a brief hiatus in the design wilderness), to the here and now with talented and en-pointe designer Sameera Azeem at the helm. Ghost is deservedly enjoying a renaissance amongst a new free-spirited customer, from Influencers who’ve worked out how these fluid garments caress curves and unleash the inner rich-hippie, to brides-to-be who shimmy into slinky long-line numbers that bring an almost vintage glamour and sensuality to the proceedings. The palette of tones still continues to be alluring but it’s the prints that Sameera has nailed, from ditsy floral and 70’s retro to simply beautiful in-house artworks that have become so eminently collectable. Still at heart is the bohemian femininity and trust me, once you try on a Ghost dress, you won’t look back. 

 

@ghostfashion instagram featuring images from their AW17 collection campaign and some images snapped by me for The Stylish Stuff.

Sameera took over the design at Ghost three years ago, with a background in print design she’d initially worked for Ghost’s sister company Low Profile (suppliers to M&S and Monsoon) and then moved on up to take over the design of both brands. “Most of my inspiration does come from vintage garments and colour”, says Sameera, “Colour is my biggest love and I have a huge archive of vintage garments in the office which I have collected over the years. In terms of inspiration, it could be a photograph that inspires me, a painting or film that I love or even someone I see on the train and then it starts to evolve from there. I start by creating a mood-board and then I brief my designers and pattern cutters and the journey to the finished collection begins.”

(Below -Sam’s mood-board for spring summer 2018) “This collection started with me looking at a painting by Cy Twombly, which had these amazing vibrant colours which were mixed with soft mid tones, really beautiful! I was also inspired by the beautiful photography of Deborah Turbeville during the 70s. Some of those images felt so ghost-like and haunting, but oh so feminine.”

“I think the biggest buzz is when you begin to see the garments coming through from the factory and you can start building the story. The process of garment dye that we use means you never can quite predict what you will receive so seeing all the finished pieces hanging as a collection is the best feeling.”

 

(Dress £120, Ghost London; Pearl Sky High sandal £159, Swedish Hasbeens.)

 

Fluid moves…

 

(Ophelia Bloom print)

 

“I always have this girl in mind that is a modern day bohemian. She is carefree, independent, a creative soul, self assured and confident in herself and her style.”  (Top £95, Ghost London)

 

(Cara Ditsy print)

 

(Dress £195, Ghost London; Emerald silver and white brogues £120, Jones Bootmaker.)

 

Freedom of spirit…

 

(Sophia Bloom print)

 

(Dress £195, Ghost London; silver Merci sandal £159, Swedish Hasbeens.)

 

The art of Cy Twombly that Sameera found inspiration in for this collection. (From top left clockwise; Hero; Proteus and Blooming)

 

 

(Abstract Floral print)

 

(Top £150; Trousers £150; Eleanor silver mules £79, Jones Bootmaker.)

 

Lyrical…

 

(Dress £150, Ghost Fashion)

 

(Cara Ditsy print)

 

(Dress £225, Ghost Fashion)

 

For more Ghost stories follow them on Instagram @ghostfashion  and to shop the collection click here.

 

Here’s me in a few of my favourite Ghost things…from the terracotta dress that ticks every box possible, easy Sunday dungarees, must-have ruffled blouse, hero velvet jacket to a ditzy print dress that everyones asks where it’s from.

 

Words, fashion and art direction by Shelly Vella

Studio photography by John Rowley

Make up by Lisa Valencia

Hair by Jonothon Malone

Model Holly Fogg at Established

Assisted by Karla Morales

Filming by Lawrence Essex

Thank you to Shoreditch Studios