LFF review LFW

19-02-2005

Seen at London Fashion Week were some fantastic collections for
Autumn/Winter 2005, with many new designers exhibiting living up to Londonâ€™s
reputation as the city for new talent.

Hereâ€™s who the LFF thought were hot at London Fashion Week.

	Jennifer Lang captures a refreshingly new design aesthetic for Autumn/Winter 2005. In shades of pearl, moody greys and chocolate, punctuated with teal and frost, a subtle eastern influence can be found with the wrap, tie and fold elements of the pure cashmere knitwear. Jennifer re-defines femininity with a simple silk slip as the starting point for her collection. For day this can be worn with a knotted or draped front cardigan. For evening, overlay with the deftly plunge front and back fine knit cardigan for a note of distinction. Jennifer reconceptualises the cardigan with cape backs, kimono sleeves and draped fronts. For further information please contact Paul Bhari or Josie Gowland @ Judy Bennett PR.
	Designer Kara Kaci decided to design a lingerie range with inspiration taken from the 70s sitcom â€œThe Good Lifeâ€ and a love of whimsical English humour. The range has developed the idea of the bored, suburban English housewife into camisoles, knickers, bras, shorts and frocks in silk, silk chiffons and cottons. www.margolondon.com info@margolondon.com
	Lucy Starâ€™s new autumn collection is of the theme Sins & Lovers. The 44 piece collection is based upon the seven deadly sins which feature Carrie Bradshaw-style nameplates, with the lovers theme featuring multi-locket pendants being created in gold-plated sterling silver. Stockists are EC1 and Labour of Love www.lucystar.co.uk
	Designer Nicola Helgeson has a passion for creating beautifully crafted garments, which are structured yet romantic. La Petite Salopeâ€™s signature bustier top works with silk tulle layers floating from a corset base. The collection includes slashed sequin dresses in dark and intense colours thanks to new dying techniques in sophisticated shades of blue, chocolate and copper. Beautifully designed tweed coats are the perfect accompaniment to the show stopping dresses. Stockists include Liberty, Selfridges and Brown Focus www.lapetitesalope.com info@lapetitesalope.com
	Elizabeth Melinekâ€™s Strumpets continue to define Leg wear. Strumpets transform heels or boots that are specially sized on the calf for a superior fit for both men and women. Strumpets have been defined as winter boots that fit into your handbag, whilst creating your own unique look with the 30 styles to choose from. The Strumpets boutique is now open in Brick Lane, which also stocks other accessories including bags, jewellery and belts. Other stockists include Selfridges, Labour of Love and Strumpets will soon be available in the LFF boutique in Bluewater. www.strumpets.co.uk info@strumpets.co.uk
	Emma Cookâ€™s collection features tiny shorts and sheer gauzy prints. Military references also appear, alongside draped jersey dresses, quilted jackets and ski bonnets. There is a sporty feel, which extends to the fastenings, with buckles and zips being used to hold outfits together and fashioned out of fabric to add unusual detailing. Bird prints in geometric patterns were flocked across dresses, necklines and Emmaâ€™s wedge boots. Emma Cook is stocked at Selfridges, Liberty and Diverse www.emmacook.co.uk
	Tashia designer Sara Chiaramonte used 70â€™s flavour for her new collection. The pants this season are skinny and pockets are tabbed, skirts are lean and panelled with fitted lengthened jackets and skinny coat shapes all accessorized with leather details. Skinny jewelled knits merge tweed-like knits and soft suede to provide total luxury. The print stories are bold, with day dresses made from crepe de chine and crinkled georgettes. The eveningwear collection uses soft feminine shapes and beautifully beaded backless dresses. Tashia 178 Walton Street London SW3 www.tashia.com sales@tashia.com
	Charlotte Pearlâ€™s new collection uses traditional British motifs and symbols including silver swans, golden lions and roses are resplendent on vintage inspired satchels, totes and framed bags, whilst horse shoes lend an equestrian feel. The collection uses velvets in shades of green and pinks contrasts with soft Italian leather in silver, plum and chestnut. Trimmings such as natural rope, wooden toggles, metal studs, buckles and D-rings add a different element. This collection features the Travel bug travel wallet and luggage tags which compliment the new Weekend bags, to card holders. Other style bags include totes, wallets, clutches, shoulder bags, coin purses and mama bags. Pink Lining is stocked at Liberty and Austique in London www.pinklining.co.uk info@pinklining.co.uk
	The Louis de Gama collection comprises of a selection of sharp and signature tailored coats and jackets in patterned black and white wool infused with leather flaps and high collars. This seasonâ€™s designs feature draped jersey tops, which are gathered and held by leather stitched straps. The collection reveals intricate and beautifully cut silk satin and chiffon dresses in layers of spring and olive dark green. Grey skirts are loose and panelled with flaps and gathers also seen in the same colours. Louis de Gama is stocked at House of Fraser in Howick Place. www.louisdegama.com
	Azuni has four collections, beginning with the Costume collection, which continues to express the weaving techniques. This season collection is vintage inspired using a combination of Swaroski and Bohemia crystal and antiqued filigree brass. The Romantic collection is enchanting and feminine with real miniature roses, dainty gold crosses and hand carved mother of pearl flowers. The silver hearts collection is simple and sophisticated and by using precious hearts and solid silver, it sets a trend in contemporary style. Finally the tribal collection is bold and colourful and uses decorative techniques. The designs feature textured silver, contemporary shapes and macrame knotting with dramatic colour. Azuni stockists are House of Fraser in Croydon and Bluewater. www.azuni.co.uk