British Designer Caroline Charles held a quintessentially English affair at AW11 London Fashion Week.

Subtle brocade detail on velvets; embroidery, tasteful sequins, cinched in waists and rich brocade fabrics were seen in sumptuous colour palette of regal burgundies and navy. A splash of leopard print kept the looks fresh and tied in perfectly with the collection, but the elegant cocktail dresses sharp tailoring harped back to Charles’ couture background.

Clever details were seen in the watch fobs, equestrian style gloves, silk cravats and a selection of top hats, hunting and bowling hats were set to a classical soundtrack that inspired thoughts of rambling British countryside.

Written By Alexandra Richards

This black silhouette is simple in design with its low V neck shape. It is the kind of fabric that contains silk moss crepe; this means you can bring it to work along with a travel iron. Put it on post the inbox blitz and slap on some red teamed up with satin stiletto heels before heading for a production at the Royal Ballet. Book those tickets and get that dress.

In this off-schedule ‘Art of Being’ collection we were presented with this made-to-order piece. A tassle filled cocktail dress which starts below the breast hooks onto another low V neck shape 80s styled shoulder pad free jacket.

Mark Fast
It’s Spring time tra- la-la…time to get out those ‘spring in your step’ outfits. LONDON show ROOMS in New York ended in March 2010. The show displayed the prettiest ice cream colours, flirtiest florals and a generally sublime collection. Let’s start by casting an eye on the successful Mark Fast collection , he dazzled us with this elegant coral dress, it screams ruffles power. It is figure hugging – forgive me for thinking it’s a spray on dress! Mark’s highly anticipated outfits proved innovative, kind and emotive. His use of different silky, satiny textures worked well. He did the unthinkable with a fashion ‘faux pas’, NOT breaking up the colour of an outfit, it worked. I’ve always felt guilty about wearing just one colour all the way through for a whole outfit… Mark Fast has given us the go ahead and this idea – wasn’t reminiscent of signature overkill. The Mustard number is versatile with good emphasis on shape, detail and silhouette.

Peter Pilotto
Peter Pilotto’s collection of burnt orange working in tandem with charcoal greys and mocca was well received. His combined patterns, prints of lycra teamed up with leathers went down a treat. These zesty outfits above bring out your sexy silhouette using inventive pattern clashes. Most of the patterns were inspired by geometric, angled shapes. Both outfits ooze power and bold lines.

Craig Lawrence
This has got to be my favourite collection from the London show rooms. These beautifully draped, see through, golden trophies are passionate, stunning garments that complement women’s bodies as well as making them feel and look like golden treasure. These slinky dresses work both for the curvy and slender. Each slash degrades into seductive curvaceous drapes. The show rooms proved to be innovative and refreshing. Now we can look forward to Spring.

Written by
Monica Cummings BA Hons, MA (Fashion Thirst’s Fashion Editor)

In the midst of the Commuun displays there were palettes of light greys, charcoal and dusky teal. This outfit caught my eye. It is feminine, minimalist and subtle with asymmetric lapels made from satin… great for the office with the onset of Autumn season.
The matching gloves dress it up distinctively making it wearable as an elegant ensemble; I’m thinking a quick appearance at a cocktail party in Notting Hill or an exhibition launch in Hoxton. This sharp outfit is clearly for the modern, urban woman.

Moving on check out this exquisite strong two-tier teal coloured number with blends of muslin, satin and chiffon. The shape of the dress encapsulates the many facets of the urban lady; it’s a stunning dimension with its rectangular, square integration. The long sleeve, dusky gloves give character to the outfit – ideal for an evening at the Opera, the Proms in the park after party.

The late Alexander McQueen’s (RIP) collection was also displayed and reflected a mixture of bright creams to strong gold and maroons. Layers, corsets and embroidery bestow a feel of royalty – think Chateau de Versailles!

Lebanese haute couture designer Elie Saab’s creations were full on floral, lacy, romanticism. Pearls, chiffon, layers, ruffles echo an English Spring garden, it was fresh, feminine, innocent and elegant. Halle Berry often wears his designs.
To recapitulate Paris fashion week gave us a smooth edge, femininity and the chic polished finish that we always anticipate c’était magnifique.

By Fashion Thirst’s resident Fashion editor – Monica Cummings, BA Hons. , MA

Miss Alexandra

http://alexdoesfashion.com | alex@alexdoesfashion.com

(4)This black herringbone jacket, lined with peace silk, a black organic jersey button shirt, blue hemp waistcoat and black hemp trousers is divinely masculine, military, country and layered.

(5) Save the best until last…this red, recycled velvet bustier brightened up the room. The romantic, beautiful flowing line and bold colour is a sumptuous garment bringing out the elegance of femininity.

To sum up…. Jeff Garner’s use of pigment, dyed fabrics meet Global organic textile standards, his collection is soft, layered, practical and innovative. His use of hemp softens the shapes further. The collection is a reflection of his roots and desire for sustainability and simplicity, a sign of our times.

By Monica Cummings (Fashion Thirst Editor)

New York designer LUCA LUCA’s platinum fox sweater What’s now for cold weather wear.