Erdem Review | Fashion Week Fall 2013

He may be known for churning out ladylike collections fit for a princess, but don't be fooled. Just a few short years ago, Erdem Moralioglu's signature garden prints, delicate laces, and dreamy color palettes weren't always so pure and sweet. The darkly gorgeous Fall 2013 collection the designer presented in London Monday was a welcome reminder that the designer is still quite adept at mixing prettiness with edge.

Layers of black organza shrouded nearly every look, creating a veiled, surreal effect on paillette-covered dresses, tweed suits, and oversize coats. Silhouettes were as ladylike as ever — high necks, slims skirts — but thanks to seams that had been sliced away and replaced with sheer fabric, there was a newfound sexiness at play as well. As for the floral prints and romantic laces that have become Moralioglu's calling card? Those were plenty present too. They came in shades of lilac, midnight blue, citrine, and inky black, and were decorated with wispy ostrich feathers, matte sequins, and metallic thread — all of which was also veiled in layers of sheer black