LFW Day 1 - 14th February 2006

“Love is in the Air” and Ashley Isham couldn’t agree more with a collection full of floor length red carpet gowns featuring wistful details. The ornate lanterns that lined his catwalk gave a nod to North Africa while many of Isham’s silhouettes borrowed from the Far East.

Known for his top-notch luxury and exquisite evening gowns Isham flattered and honed the female form with skilful construction techniques – such as boning and power-mesh that cinched the waist. Choice a-plenty for those wanting to look nothing short of fabulous come evening soiree. For day, meanwhile, it was chic dressing all the way with a range of tailored tops and fishtail skirts.

Next up, Michiko Koshino upped her game with a grown-up collection that leant towards the couture side of the spectrum. Pieces ranged from fitted suits that clung to every curve, think Hitchcock’s leading ladies, to slinky hand-printed silks. Full of quirky details and texture the overall effect was distinctive and rather lady-like. If there’s one trend that’s coming through loud and clear already it’s pleats - expect a lot of them come autumn along with a continuation of all things couture in style and finish.

Hats by Lolita Aguado

For pure entertainment Julien Macdonald never fails to disappoint. Laden in glitz and glamour it seemed highly appropriate that the UK’s most blinging designer should have the likes of Paris Hilton open his show. Clearly loving the experience Paris worked the catwalk in a slinky silver evening dress before a rather excitable crowd who whooped and cheered with her every appearance. The collection continued in the same vein – lots of fur jackets and coats, pant suits and cocktail dresses so tight that models needed a permit to breathe. Dusted in a dose of sequins and super polished glamour the collection may have been too “look at me” for some but will no doubt go down a storm with celebs and the Russian market.

Day 1 rounded off with the Bodyamr show at the Funky Buddha club in Mayfair. Think beautiful draped silk jerseys in a palette of white, oyster, rich plum, wine, petrol blue and black. Inspired by the DADA movement and the photomontage artist - Hannah Hoch, the collection combined sassy sexiness with fluid femininity plus a few signature details along the way. Styled with voluminous crimped hair-dos and dramatic smoky eye make-up Bodyamr is already being touted with ‘one to watch’ status.

Images by Sinclair www.tendollar.biz

By JoJo Iles