The collection is complete! Hurrah.

My check list has a tick in every box, my heart rate is dramatically high and my blood pressure must be off the scale, but every piece is now finalized. The clothes sway on wooden hangers proudly displaying large labels which are stamped “Melt London”.

My desk is scattered with the off-cuts from the look book, and the floor is littered with fabric and trims, but my happiness quota is now absolute. The story has named characters and a title……………… "Percival Loves Doris."

Well of course he does!

Our Percival is dark and dramatic, a cross between highway man and soldier. He has a practical edge which gives him purpose as he keeps out the cold, yet he still succeeds in covering and complimenting all that lies beneath. On the surface he is a coat, but in his heart he is so much more.

His girlfriend Doris is all slinky sex and feminine promise. She is a simple type, but classy in a lingerie style that adds colour to Percival’s manly life.

Our Percy has many close friends……. he, with Herbert, Fred and Ringo are truly a band of brothers. They hang closely together along the rail, whispering and flirting with Enid and Felicity’s deeply coloured depths. Their enamel buttons are gently reflected in the girl’s silky sheen.

This well turned out group have every seam lovingly satin bound, every trim in place, every zip, zipped tight and every button, buttoned in place. Winter 08 is a love story, a tale of passion and drama, each element complimenting the other, a romance once seen, never forgotten!

Now I leave them waiting in anticipation, because I must tear myself away and blink clear the world of fashion, as it’s off to India for me. Two fabulous weeks to be dazzled by textiles, spices and jewels.

So happy holidays to all, and lets make it a wonderful, peaceful new year.

By Susan Royston

Creative Director of Melt London