By Sarah Harris

February 11, 2008


London , UK - Brit pop stars Lily Allen and Sophie Ellis Bextor took their front row seats at PPQ yesterday. Amy Molyneux and Percy Parker sent out a procession of stage-worthy hits; multi-coloured, stripy prom dresses with diamante straps, jaunty black patent rucksacks and cropped leather jackets trimmed in 'PPQ' badges were the stars of the show.

Emma Cook also made a much-welcomed return to the London schedule. After a two-year hiatus she presented 'Lonesome Susie' a collection that included tiered cocktail attire crafted from tie-dye latex, silk jersey mini dresses fringed in leather reminiscent of majorette uniforms and bolts of black lace - all in all, a triumph, and perfectly in keeping with Cook's signature quirky cool aesthetic.

It was futuristic Eskimos that tickled Louise Goldin's imagination. Body-gripping cashmere sweater dresses featured pixilated prints in colour ways that encompassed blue, turquoise, grey and neon-peach. Shoulders were armoured in beetle-like shells, covered in jet-black Swarovski crystals; all grounded by bespoke Pierre Hardy heels.

Paul Smith closed the day at Claridge's where masculine tailoring, offbeat knits in garden green and toxic orange, and sketchy rose prints delighted.

Meanwhile, the Exhibition was a hive of activity. The estethica area of the Exhibition sponsored by Monsoon & Accessorize held a breakfast which drew stylish eco enthusiasts, proving that fashion has a conscience.

Last night's Burberry party to launch Vanity Fair portraits at the National Portrait Gallery was celebrated in style by London 's fashion A-list. Make sure you don't miss the Exhibition.


* London Fashion Week is organized by the British Fashion Council.
www.londonfashionweek.co.uk