LFW Sept 08 – Betty Jackson

All in all, a very natural look, uncharacteristically for the quintessentially quirky designer. Tone on tone earthy shades of browns, stone, moss and slate came straight from mother nature, in stark contrast, flashes of block, burnt orange and eighties prints were ablaze in ochre, dull lemon and cobalt blue were more in keeping with the 'Betty' look.

Although the use of colour was simplistic, Betty's shape and form was unconventional. Shoulders were big and wide, 3/4 sleeves, kicked out in bell and winged styles. Volume dominated, with waists loosely cinched in to give modest definition. The look was feminine, the opposite of power dressing using soft lines, volume for exaggeration and subtle embellishment and draping for emphasis.

Fabrics had a natural look, light cotton shirt dresses, jersey draping and heavier cloth for voluminous jackets and cocoon dresses. Tailoring became more prominent as well as a more form fitting shapes came later in the collection, highlights appeared in the form of figure hugging dresses, one, beautifully executed in black lace, femininity in a subtly seductive and understated manor.

The styling was simplistic, understated, echoing the mood of the show. Clean faced models, sporting a natural look had hair pinned up haphazardly and mussed up for a 'not so done look'. Betty has managed to convey a modest and directional collection with a focus on volume and subtlety, going back to a more natural look, yet still keeping it interesting, with quirky cuts and hints of pattern.

Words Lynsay McConachie

Photography Jemima Compton