Ostwald Helgason Fall 2012: A Chic Seafarer's Dream

8:00 AM, February 13 2012

By Elana Fishman

The Scene: Admittedly, we knew very little about London designers Susanne Ostwald and Ingvar Helgason upon strolling into their debut presentation at Milk Studios, save for that their brand was stocked at Opening Ceremony. But from the second we saw their bright, colorful creations pop against the venue's stark white backdrop, we knew we'd stumbled across a new favorite.

The Look: Inspired by Antarctic naval adventurers, Ostwald and Helgason screenprinted sweatshirts with octopus and boat motifs and turned antique sailing maps into a pattern that covered several looks. Stripes, a familiar nautical theme, were used as well; rather than go with the traditional blue-and-white bateau variety, however, the designers incorporated shades of pumpkin, sienna and lemon.

Pieces We Want: Oh, those sweaters. From the pullover screened with a tentacled sea beast to the striped knit shown over a white turtleneck, they were fantastic. Ditto on those sculptural ruffled and flared striped skirts.