Return to 1997 SUMMER Index
London Fashion Weekby
Black ? Don't be seen dead in it! It has to be said I dithered over what to wear at London Fashion Week. With a sinking heart I threw open my wardrobe doors and then-once I had crawled out from under the resulting avalanche - decided that I had nothing to Wear.
Too late to cancel, too late to shop, I pulled on my black Levi's 901 (can it be it be really true they
are not made anymore). I opted for my short black T-shirt and my cropped black jacket, applied
lashings of eyeliner and, wearing my heaviest junkiest jewelry, made my way to the beautiful
Natural History Museum. Once there I was furious with myself for not wearing scarlet. You see
sweeties, everyone else obviously had had the same wardrobe crisis and we all turned up looking
ready for funeral. Anyone's funeral really - except the Fashion show which was throbbing with
colour.
Wit and humour danced down the catwalk. And while black was definitely there it was slipped over or under
petticoats which revealed flashes of red or shot through with acid stripes.
Dresses are long and layered. They may be as transparent as you dare or (thankfully) obscured by layers of petticoats. Dresses are flowing, suits are sharply tailored. Even so there was very much do as you will theme to this show. I particularly liked the designer who - in Westwood fashion - sent one of her models out in a fetching pair of shower curtains. Whilst there was no startling 'New Look' to this fashion show, there was a verve and style about it that captured the spirit of London which was charming and confident in the spring sunshine.
So fashion tips for the summer and autumn are ?
Only wear black with colour. Lots and lots of colour. Or forget the black and just indulge in rich and glowing fabrics that cling to your body. Jeans should be a dark and figure hugging blue with deep turn-ups.
Accessories are sharply tailored and should look drop dead expensive. (Sorry but the
wooden necklace has to go). Concentrate on sequins and diamante. If your budget can't run to
a £350 pearl encrusted handbag plunder your local antique markets. I found a very similar one last year for
about £12.00.
Then lie back, think of England's new found confidence and enjoy the summer.