Jaeger may well be a long established British brand with lashings of heritage but this was somewhat of a debut for the label on the international catwalk circuit. Harold Tillman, Jaeger boss and newly appointed British Fashion Council chief, is a front row face we should all get used to as he takes over from Sir Stuart Rose once this season is over. Meanwhile on the catwalk…

Jaeger revealed a collection of modern archival interpretations, something that the design team have been successfully working on since 2005 when the brand launched its contemporary womenswear collection Jaeger London. For Autumn/Winter 08/09 the brand combines a hint of the 60s with luxurious elegance. Highlights included sharply tailored woollens, sassy cape coats and silk velvet kimono dresses.

In keeping with the British flavour make-up was stark and pale with just a dab of dark lippy while the hair fell in slinky super-straight sheets. Along with sophisticated key wardrobe staples Karen Boyd and her team displayed a range of prints from geometric block shapes to oversize houndstooth and vibrant snakeskins. Tones ranged from liquid petrol and forest green to neutral camels and browns plus a heavy dose of black.

Commenting on the collection Belinda Earl, Jaeger’s Chief Executive, said: “The Jaeger London collection has been inspired by our rich heritage of luxurious textures and fabrics, beautifully cut in innovative and directional silhouettes. Karen Boyd and our dedicated designers have created a highly contemporary and desirable collection that showcases Jaeger’s strengths to their optimum.”

By JoJo Iles

Images by Rodney Compton

www.jaeger.co.uk