House of Fraser Blog

We cannot even begin to describe how hectic today has been. With thoughts drifting between fashion and the BAFTAs, it’s been rather on the crazy side. The celebrities have been out enforce, and only moments ago we were rubbing shoulders with the likes of Matthew Williamson, Jameela Jamil, Pixie Lott, Twiggy and Sienna Miller at the Twenty8Twelve presentation, but more about that later. Let’s start at the beginning.

First show of the day was British institution Betty Jackson. A woman with huge creativity we always look forward to her shows. Key pieces included the floral jumpsuit, and the leather cocoon dress. The cord harem trousers however, are probably best left for spindly long legs. We were really loving the use of orange,  a hot colour for Autumn/Winter 2010.

Fashion darling Richard Nicoll was up next with a softly tailored collection. It was a stunning show, with gorgeous greys, moody blues and wonderful rusts. Velvet was a key feature, as was the maxi length. The jackets will certainly be on the top of every girl’s wish list. A good show.

Alexa Chung was front row for Margaret Howell’s collection, and we can see why. The whole look was very Alexa, duffle coats and a geek chic vibe. A very soft palette, stone and neutral shades were followed with charcoal and hits of tomato red. Some really wearable, natural pieces.

Now onto one of our favourite designers, Matthew Williamson. This was a glorious show, bright cobalt blues, an intense hot pink cocoon coat, as well as nude shades and a decadent bronze. It was indeed a show of colour, and there was plenty of prints and draping to keep us entertained. From simple shift dresses to stunning floor length gowns, there was something in this show for everyone, truly divine.

It’s on to Todd Lynn, who rather surprisingly had Janet Jackson sitting in his front row. This show was the polar opposite to Matthew Williamson, this was all about straight simplicity and incredible tailored. The silhouettes were powerful, and bring hope to those who cannot bear to part with their shoulder pads just yet. The leather jackets were a particular highlight.

Following the structured look, Louise Goldin’s show was truly space age. With Star Trek-esque lines, it was all very futuristic. There are not many who can pull off oversized pointy hips, but we are certainly willing to give it a try.

We normally associate Julien MacDonald with sequins and evening gowns, but this collection was short and sassy with some fab cocoon coats. MacDonald seemed to be continuing the trend for underwear as outerwear, and many of the pieces had a lingerie feel. Once more nudes and midnight blues, do we sense a trend?

Aquascutum was certainly working the trend for maxi lengths, with fitted maxi suits being sent down the runway. The look was actually rather glamorous, and the leather jumpsuit added an edge to the collection.

The presentations were particularly good today, Eley Kishimoto had their fun trademark prints on show. The cute shift dresses might not be particularly groundbreaking, but we can’t resist an Eley Kishimoto print, a perfect winter day pick-me-up.

Clements Ribeiro’s presentation also had a nice feel to it. With brocade, swirl prints and embellished cardigans it was wearable decadence at its best. A really consumer friendly collection, it’s the boots that we were lusting after.

Future Classics was the surprise hit of the day. The photographic print dresses were gorgeous, and the polka dot deconstructed tea-dresses were really lovely. There was a very Opening Ceremony style to the range, and Future Classics could be the next cool kid label of choice.

Wow, could we have fitted anymore in? Actually yes, check back for our write ups for Twenty8Twelve, Vivienne Westwood, and more.

Key looks:

• Cocoon coats
• Draping
• Maxi lengths
• Light & bright shades
• Fur
• Leather

Check back for more fashion week coverage and part two. If you want up to the minute coverage then follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Hotathof