Continuing the theme from Paul, Caroline had a stonking turnout.

As usual she had devised her show into 4 sections, which seamlessly eased into one another. Set 1 'Metropolis Urban' took on winters much favoured monochrome palette and was accented but tiny hints of green in the form of skinny patent belts.

Set 1 was all about easy work wear. Shift dresses both sleeveless and cap sleeved featured and well cut jackets were cinched with either wide or super skinny patent belts. Obi belts (popular a few seasons ago) made a welcomed return to the catwalk, used to pull in and fasten textured wool blanket coats. Section one also featured a gorgeous wool jumper dress, with a polo neck and tulip cut front.

There was also similarities with Costelloes collection as the vintage, rounded collar fur jacket reappeared for Caroline's collection, def a must have for AW10! 'Rural Hobo' (set 2) had all the feel good of 40's Dig for Victory, a popular inspiration for Charles. There were flat riding boots, gorgeous leather and fur deer hunter hats and plenty of brown check suiting and tweed pencil skirts. Autumnal toned floral prints appeared on shifts and skirts and jackets were snug and tailored.

Set 3 'Boho Cocktail' showed off the skinniest knife pleat skirts, calf length in moss and ruby red hues, coats again utilised the blanket shape and took on patchwork and brocade textures.

The final section was a Caroline Charles stapled and showed off her famous evening wear. The beading was superb as always and the collection came in a rainbow of colours (though nearly always based in black) and referenced the oriental styling’s in its beading technique and stand up collars.

There was also a return to velvet (popular this season at NY Fashion Week) with swinging velvet evening jackets (very androgynous in cut). The final section of cropped evening jackets were divine, almost like beautifully beaded art deco shrugs. Very rock chick. I do love gold!

Rivkie Baum

http://fash-pack.blogspot.com