LONDON FASHION WEEK A/W 04 Although, most of the designers do not have the hertitage as the names to be found in other fashion capitals, or the backing of parent companies to assist with the financial burden of putting on the shows, there is still the levels of innovation that made London so attractive to talent scouts and buyers in the late 1990's. Temperley, Gharani Strok, Ben di Lisi (to name a few) showcased the most beautifully executed dresses, skirts and tapered jackets that accentuated a woman's body to leave a tantilising amount to the imagination — all-in-all putting the capital back on the fashion map.
London Designers Exhibition
As for the London Designers Exhibition, this year saw a record number of 174 stands bought by designers to showcase their collections alongside the likes of Sophia Kokosalak, Preen and Boudicca who exhibited in private showrooms.
Designer: Gharani Strok With each successive collection, Gharani and Strok push their combined creative talents to the pinnacle of excellence to come up with wearable looks that are bursting with vibrancy.
This season, the duo paid homage to colour with captivating geometric prints, beautiful halter neck tops and lace shoulder capes that will definitely become 'must-have' items for the coming season. Summed up, think: razzle-dazzle.
Models Spotted: Liberty Ross Prominent Colours: Geometric prints, in feminine hues, grape Accessories: Knee high suede boots, glamorous jewellery Visit:Gharani Strok
Designer: Michiko Koshino Choosing to avoid the winter perennial colours like black and deep red, Michiko Koshino exhibited an A/W collection that would make even the dreariest of winters days bright.
Showing a wealth of separates and dresses in innovative patterns the collection boldly fused unlikely colours together to produce a unique look that not only looked fresh but worked.
Models Spotted: Jody Kidd,
Erin O'Connor Prominent Colours: Brown, cream, palepink, lemon, powder blue and green Accessories: Cowboy boots, woolly scarves, leopard print flat boots Visit:Michiko Koshino
Designer: Ben de Lisi Ben de Lisi's dedication to style is still going strong, with a collection built on a fabric staple diet of: satin, crepe, embroidered tulle, spider web lace, sequin stripe, dangle sequin, ombre taffeta, printed satin, leather and velvet.
His unmistaken talent continues to push the boundaries of eveningwear to produce clothing that never dates or fails to disappoint.
Models Spotted: Jody Kidd Prominent Colours: Jet, amethyst, diamond, garnet, rose quartz and mink Accessories: Anya Hindmarch More Info: Tel: 020 7730 2994
Designer: Temperley - L'Apache Parisienne The Ballroom at the Park Lane Hotel was the perfect setting for Temperley's stunning A/W 04 collection. Heralding back to the roaring 20's, inverted pleated skirts with contrasting borders in pink and white were teamed with beautiful, button through blouses that narrowed in at the waist to yield a sophisticated look.
Clever pleats and folds in dresses, skirts and pedal pushers formed shapes on the wearer that made them look effortlessly feminine without the need to bare flesh.
To Alice Temperley's credit, the collection was one of the highlights of London Fashion Week.
Models Spotted: Erin O'Connor Prominent Colours: Navy blue, black, cream, pink Accessories: feminine leather belts wrapped around junky cardigans Visit: Temperley
Designer: John Rocha John Rocha's A/W 04 collection saw textured fabrics and crafts given a contemporary edge.
Hand fashioned patchwork provided a definitive role with panels of washed silk georgette, bouclé jersey, tapestry, sequins and sparkling jacquard all hand stitched together and finished with raw silk ties.
Chunky hand knitted jackets and dresses were juxtaposed with delicate velvet and chiffon.
Prominent Colours: The colour palette was earthy, natural and organic. Khaki, sage greens and delicate rose featured alongside sand, soft stone and flesh tones. Accessories: TN_29 Shoes (Visit: TN_29), Wolford Hosiery
