Ashish – LFW Saturday 17th September 2011

We all remember Meryl Streeps classic line as the evil Miranda Preistley – ‘flowers for spring – mind blowing’ – from the fabulous hit Devil Wears Prada, delivered with such style and malice that all her colleagues sweat under the collar in their brainstorming meeting. As much as I love the ruthless editor, I cant say that I agree with her here, as the Ashish SS12 collection presented flowers for spring with a little less sarcasm, and more passion and buds than the Chelsea Flower Show.

A parade of sequined dresses, tailored jackets and casual shorts made up the unique fashion show bursting with colour and frutifulness. From dainty dasiys to ravishing roses, the collection is bright, confident and oozes St Tropez glamour. The story behind the range is about a garden – but this paradise is most definately lost as the garments dominated by sequins are teamed with aggressive Doc Martens and angry dark lipstcik to state this designer has an objective that is no bed of roses.

Speaking of roses, my favourite piece – a back less cream dress – naturally showered in what looks like a thousand sequins – with bold red roses printed on, and stems so green, I am green with envy for this gorgeous product. Taking a swing of my Vitamin Water – of course what else? – I sit back and dream, where exactly is this secret garden hiding these dresses?

Emma Westbrook