By Sarah Harris

February 12, 2008


London, UK - After Duro Olowu's upbeat show of metallic prints and vibrant colour in his signature blousey shapes, it was on to Marios Schwab, whose models dolly-stepped down his runway such were the restrictions on his fiercely narrow, ankle-length tube dresses. It was worth the effort. This silhouette remained throughout - from nude styles with burnt out areas worn over faded jeans to dresses that were laser cut with Rob Ryan-esque intricacy, and finished with ostrich feathered cropped jackets.

It was surface decoration of another kind for Christopher Kane: fanciful paillettes. Oversized knits, organza and chiffon dresses - and even trousers - were bedecked in them. His front row guests Yasmin le Bon, Erin O'Connor, Amy Sacco and Philip Green delighted in his ideas.

Newcomers to the schedule Edward Meadham and Benjamin Kirchhoff of MeadhamKirchhoff label - long, drapey jersey skirts, mouse-coloured tailoring, wetsuit-style bodysuits and cocooning shell tops in fuzzy fleece - and Polish designer, Krystof Strozyna - innovative body-con dresses in fresh bolts of white, fuchsia and black, with matchbox-sized charms bursting from the seams - proved they are a talent to get excited about.

Before the onslaught of parties, Tuesday was host to the Balenciaga store opening, Vivienne Westwood at the Serpentine, Christopher Kane aftershow party at Bungalow 8, and Bamford launch at Harrods, it was on to Nathan Jenden to present his third LFW show at Shunt Vaults at London Bridge . Its cavernous spooky setting perfectly suited his "modern masquerade" of tricksy Edwardian jackets (some beribboned and mirrored with impressive collars), straight skirts and fantastical gowns in bronze jacquard.



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