By Sarah Harris

February 16, 2008



London , UK - Graeme Black may be new to the LFW schedule, but having worked for 15 years as head designer at the Armani Black label, followed by a stint at Ferragamo, he's no novice. Scottish born Black went back to his roots for autumn/winter, his collection revolved around a palette of navy, smoke and black, accented with earthy hues and jewel tones. Face-framing ruffled blouses, pony skin coats, mink trimmed capes, tailored leathers, among them a cropped crocodile blazer, and others that were quilted to resemble Aran knits. High-waisted skirts softly flared into an A-line and were decorated with rich Celtic embroideries.

From Scottish highlands to Peter Jensen's outdoorsy-inspired collection. With a stage set with tents, he presented rainbow striped knits, rusty-coloured checked Bermudas, waxed cotton jackets and for a night spent around his campfire? A moss-coloured tulle prom dress and silver foiled fairy skirts.

With alumni Christopher and Tammy Kane sat front row (and no doubt countless fashion head-hunters) twenty-one Central St Martins MA students presented their graduate collections. Among the talent, knitwear designer, Simone Shailes who designed a collection of 3d chunky knits inspired by big hair, won the L'Oreal Professionnel fashion design award, while the Harrods design award went to David Steinhorst who showed a series of drapey dresses reminiscent of early Donna Karan, with sections knotted, twisted and trimmed in rows of zips, both receive a cash prize of £5000.

Julien Macdonald closed the day in his usual pizzazz - in his snowy winter wonderland setting, it was everything his glamorous clients could possibly need to stay luxuriously and decadently warm; grey ca...

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