The Clothes Show London – A Perspective

Housed in Earls Court, The Clothes Show returned to London for a 3-day fashion and beauty extravaganza. Despite having to contend with the beautiful weather, Wimbledon and the World Cup, The Clothes Show went off to a flying start on Friday, generally the slowest day of the week-end exhibition.

Deemed the perfect girls’ day out, Earls Court was awash with stands offering fashion, make up and accessories for all tastes. A pop up bar was giving out Martini cocktails (one of the sponsors), a champagne area in the corner provided an oasis away from the crowds and the fashion theatre the live action. The just nominated British Hairdresser of The Year, Errol Douglas, was doing live hair cutting and styling demonstrations, which, in front of a crowd, were made to look very easy by the super cool coiffeur. More makeovers were taking place at the Benefit, Sleek Make Up and Bella Pierre Cosmetics boudoirs, whilst for the professional beauty aficionados, the Elemis double-decker bus was a stop not to be missed and teeth bleaching strips (of interest to my American friend who swears can’t get the right stuff in the UK – and she’s right, they can’t be sold over the counter over here) were available to try onsite.

As for fashion, there were many interesting designers on show to cater for everyone’s taste. The Textile Museum’s stand was not to be missed with their 50s and 60s pieces on show (not on sale sadly). Trollied Dolly hit the spot for inspired vintage with their cute cherry printed dressed and bold floral ones. Pepper Tree had pretty sailor shifts impossible to resist at £15. For understated sensual 20s sophistication, Ci Ci’s original designs were gorgeous. Feminine and elegant blouses, slips and dresses in neutral-coloured chiffon. From pewter to antique rose, these pieces were understated yet stunning. The sensual playfulness of the fabric, light and sheer and the silk lining made them equally irresistible and classy.

More aggressive yet playful were pieces by Anya Wilkinson, including a sleeveless satin prom dress with a huge flower detail of the same material sewn onto the skirt.

Jovonna/Jovonnista’s pastel-coloured blouses with hand-sewn silk disks and flowers were beautiful and the trend for silk, chiffon and nudes was seen among the collections of many designers this week-end.

But the Clothes Show is more than just about fashion and beauty and many celebrities were due to turn up. I could only attend Friday, but I did managed to catch the aforementioned Errol Douglas and fashion expert Caryn Franklyn, who was sharing her knowledge on summer trends during a live catwalk show.

Chanteuse Paloma Faith, pop singer Esmee Denters, presenter George Lamb and Daily Telegraph fashion director Hilary Alexander were also in attendance, providing a mix of fashion insight, music, style and pop culture.