Betty Jackson is without a doubt always worth getting up early for.

Perched behind Erin O'Connor and Hilary Alexander I had a fabulous view and I was so overwhelmed by the collection I can't even tell you what the music was!

The collection started with trade mark Jackson, superb felted wool coats and jackets. For AW10 Jackson has opted for oversized patch pockets as the main feature, that grew and formed partially outside of the garment and overhung the hem.

Jackets and coats flowed between tailored styles and cropped jackets that borrowed from cape like styles, with trench like features.
Trousers were all rather loose fitting, mainly with pleated waists, either all the way round or flat front trousers with pleated sides. The harem pant remained a popular style with dropped crotches in a number of colour ways and fabrics. Leg fittings were loose and on occasions featured calf crops.

Volume was given to trouser bodies by clever pleating and fabric manipulation.
Sleeve shapes fell in line with other trends seen this week with leg of muttons (this time tres over sized) and in built sleeves that rounded out from the body creating a cape like effect.

Skirts came in a all kinds. Mini leathers, pencils with side ruching detail and full on 70's style a-line, almost cardboard like in its shape.

There were plenty of easy to wear shifts with asymmetric detailing and drapes to create style and my favourite was a min tanned leather shift dress, that makes the leather trend available to a wider audience. Playsuits also featured in various printed silks.
Print played a huge role in the collection and there was a mixture of abstract gingham style prints (that had a safari feel) in brown/cream and a red/white combo. Also popular (as with others) was a winter, 70's style retro floral print, which was style in mix and match colourways and adorned silky skirts and loose fitting, pleated trousers.

The colour palette was huge, with gold, navy, grey, cream, red, tan, dirty blush pink and a gorgeous dirty greenish gold all making an appearance.

Fabric choice was varied too and Jackson effortlessly mixed corduroy, silk, wool, felt and leather. Denim was also popular and has made a surprising return to the catwalk this season, Jackson did a D & G and mixed various shades and weights within one outfit.
A truly outstanding and wearable collection with plenty of attention to detail, adding to my wish list ... Dirty gold hairy wool coat and retro florals.

Rivkie Baum

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