Freak Like Me AW15 London Fashion Week Show

ROLL UP, roll up, the fashion circus has come to town – and we’re not talking about London Fashion Week. Sophia Webster’s joyous circus-inspired designs took over a disused club in the midst of China town (another joyous scene today celebrating New Year) this afternoon, with models and contortionists tripping the light fantastic in larger-than-life costumes.

But what of the shoes? The “Freak Like Me” collection takes its cue from Gwen Stefani’s No Doubt era (“I loved her ska references – I was obsessed,” Webster confessed. “I once went to see her in concert and I fainted I was so excited”), as well as Victor Vasarely’s optical illusions – and it was as mind-bendingly unconventional as that sounds. Feathers, leopard-print, glitter, “warped check” and tartan all decorated Webster’s deliciously tactile heels.

But then convention isn’t a word anyone would associate with Webster’s creations. Of course, they’re always the better for it.

Scarlett Kilcooley-O’Halloran for Vogue.co.uk