LFW Sept 08 – Vivienne Westwood

A-listers Miss Pamela Anderson and Burlesque Beauty Dita von Teese both took prime position making sure they were in the spot light as much as the clothes! Unlike the other Queen of British fashion Kate Moss who crept in incognito just as the show began. 

Amidst the celebrity overload (I did catch myself standing between fashion week regulars Mischa Barton on one side and Pixie Geldof on the other at one stage) I was there of course to review the highlight of London Fashion Week (well, mine anyway) and see what was in store for our summer wardrobe essentials! 

Westwood certainly knows how to put on a good show, from the chosen venue, the surreal hyped up music and of course spotting the celebs not only in the audience but also on the catwalk; this time we were treated to both Daisy Lowe and Alexa Chung strutting their stuff.  

The collection was distinctively Westwood; each piece encompassing her unique sense of style, shape and cut. An air of quintessentially British nostalgia there was also an ethnic inspired element creating a more exotic and adventurous spirit.  

Built around a core of tailored separates and suits, lightest weight summer fabrics were draped, knotted and folded. Geometric based cuts, including a pair of large ‘harem’ pants, Arab inspired hooded dresses and ‘pull up’ skirts all added to the exotic nature of the whole collection.  

As seen in other shows this season there was a distinct fuse of soft, femininity mixed with a masculine severity. Classic tea dresses in fluid fabrics shimmied down the catwalk whilst tailored shorts and two piece trouser suits gave a stark contrast. The all in one playsuit made yet another appearance (this really is set to be big next season!) and the summer trench, this time thigh-high and hooded. 

The colour palette matched the mood and ethnicity with muted shades of sun bleached yellow and sky blue hues strongly enriched with jewel brights and gold metallics. Outfits were often accessorised with raucous gold jewellery and shoes, big and chunky, again emphasis were on the gold metallic heals.  

Always an element of shock with Westwood she designed one outfit to be worn totally topless, sending the model down the catwalk wearing a gold metallic skirt, sheer tights and platforms and nothing else! 

Overall the show was fantastic and if the thunderous applause Vivienne was greeted to when she stepped out onto the catwalk is anything to go by then the Red Label S/S 09 collection is set for approval from the fashion masses.

Words Jenni Sutton

Photography Jemima Compton