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London Fashion Week – Spring 2008 RTW
After New York, London’s shows are looking downright daring. There’s always a little more flair to fashion in the British capital and the collections for next spring are no exception. There is always a danger that some designers will go too far, but that’s what makes London Fashion Week fun. Here’s Blacks roundup of the latest shows.
Luella Bartley
After a five year absence, Luella Bartley returned to the London shows with a collection that is a little bit nerdy and a little bit chic. Short, flouncy dresses and skirts in colorful prints were paired with a patent leather jacket, cardigans and small floral capes. Oversized eyeglasses emphasized the geek appeal of some pieces, but the prevalent showing of legs in laced up patent leather boots kept things sexy. Her evening dresses were also short and flirty. One black satin dress, for example, had colored flowers tacked on the bodice and a folded hem that added volume.Overall, Luella came through with sexy, girly dresses for the full grown woman.
Christopher Kane
As one of the most watched young designers Christopher Kane obviously wanted to show something new. Whether he was successful with his latest designs is still up for debate. Think prairie wear – ruffled, flouncy skirts, western-cut sheer blouses, tiered, ruffled print dresses, ripped jeans and snakeskin prints dominated the show.There was a light, airy quality to most of the pieces (probably due to all the sheer ruffles) but one could not overlook the dowdiness of the inspiration. The palette featured light blues reminiscent of 80s faded denim, skin tones and gray with yellow accents.
Gareth Pugh
Models with giant cubes on their heads, long black fringe, fetish-style leather coats and black threads masquerading as a shirt made Pugh’s latest collection quite the curiosity. It seems that even the club kids would find many of these pieces unwearable. Two dresses were made entirely from black fringe and buckles, and what can only be described as a bolero jacket jetted a good half foot from the model’s shoulders with fringe streaming down.It will be interesting to see if fashion’s bad boy will be received as forward thinking or just bad.
Paul Smith Women
Loose and light, Paul Smith’s latest women’s wear collection was dominated by silky fabrics and the tasteful use of spring colors. Shirt dresses in sage and apricot looked comfortable and elegant. Even tailored pieces, like a white short suit and short, feminine suit jackets had a little give. Standout pieces included an elongated ribbed sweater dresses shown with a jacket and scarf and cornflower blue strappy heels which gave a pop to spring colorations.
Jonathon Saunders
Clean lines, body-conscious designs and a neutral palette defined Saunder’s latest collection. There seemed to be no end to his A-line dresses with belted waists in tan and black, yet each one was unique, featuring color blocking or fabric draped from the waist for volume.The white, Grecian dress with black side panels and a belted waist is red carpet ready, as is his body-hugging beltless version.
Topshop Unique
British retail giant Topshop came out with a beautiful collection for spring that paired individuality with very practical looks. With a palette of deep blue hues and naturals, the line evoked a seaside feel. Breezy, tunic dresses, leather sandals and daytime Grecian gowns had a soft elegance about them. The entire collection was light and flowing, with fabric draped around the body to give it shape. Trends:
• Light, shimmery fabrics or translucents
• Short dresses and skirts
• White & neutrals
• Ruffles & flounce
• Bright, strappy heels