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You’d be wrong if you think I’m permanently fixed to a chair in front of my computer. Occasionally, I venture out – but only if it’s really worth making the effort. And tonight it was. I simply couldn’t miss a showing of Vivienne Westwood’s Spring Summer 2010 Anglomania collection (yes, think shorts, floaty little dresses and rubberised sandals in November). As I raced in excited anticipation across London’s Oxford Street, I even managed to snap a sideways picture of the Christmas lights through my car windscreen.
Fashion shows are always such frenzied, nay muddled and blurred events. First, there’s the panic to get in and grab your seat, followed by a rapidly downed cocktail or three and, finally, the girls speed-walk down the runway so fast that, unless you're a professional photographer, the models end up all fuzzy around the edges.
Anyway, this show was totally fabulous - probably because Vivienne Westwood is the foremost designer of curiously creative, yet cleverly designed and wearable clothing in the world. If you’re wanting to know about the trends from her show – think 1920s in 1960s acid colours-meets-Masai safari-meets-hillbilly eco-warrior-meets-Sunday best with an arty twist-meets-toga style draping-meets nautical … Good Lord, I’ve run out of breath. At least no one should be able to replicate this design trend!
Some of the highlights of my evening were:
Coincidentally sitting opposite Julia Roitfield – Sister Wolf, this was such a surprise - in fact I’d never even heard of Mlle R until I read your demented blog, but I immediately recognised the face from her mother's photos. She was snogging this guy and spilling champagne on the carpet. So stylish.
Bumping into the headmistress of fashion herself - the real star of any fashion show in any season, Hilary Alexander. How wonderful to be recognized and loved by fashionistas the world over – something we all aspire to in our dreams. Hilary, long may you remain in the spotlight, though I did notice that Lady Victoria Hervey was angling to get into everyone’s photos.
The only thing in the otherwise stunning show that I wasn’t so sure about, was the strange fishnet thingy over one poor model’s head (see right). Perhaps her footballer boyfriend left behind a spare bit of netting from the goal… By the way, I’d love a piece too – looks like it'd be perfect for keeping the crows off my roof.
The fact that most guests at the show looked reasonably 'grown up' was quite refreshing - though half the audience appeared to be curiously sucking on substitute cigarettes... the latest fashion accessory perhaps? The evening’s after-show performer, Dionne Bromfield, looked a tad vulnerable and nervous beforehand, though her singing was flawless.
There were some uber-cool outfits both on and off the catwalk, including an amazing 'Big Bird' jacket worn by a lady who was still attached to her London Fashion Week bag - all very eco-friendly. Not sure who the statuesque lady on the right is, but she looks truly fab... do let ShopCurious know.
Thanks to Selfridges for hosting the event and having the foresight to offer this collection a season ahead. Goes to show that even real shops see the value of getting 'pre-orders' from their customers - and this could prove a useful solution to business lost through the demise of the cruisewear market.
However, as we've still got Winter to contend with, I’m not sure I’m quite ready yet to decide exactly what I’ll be wearing next Spring.
Are you?
