Style Speaks Louder

House of Holland SS09

Retro POP was what House of Holland was all about yesterday, with an explosion of bright bold flower prints and powerful polka dots. Alas I was not at the show to see it myself but the pictures from the show look amazing.
Naturally Holland’s BFF Agnes Deyn opened and closed the show for him, which couldn’t have made his show cooler and more desirable to see.

His collection influenced by the 90’s, (apparently he was inspired by Beverly Hills 90210) was full of acid oranges and yellows, clashing prints of polka dots and lurid flower printed jumpsuits. Sheer skirts and dizzy bright flower prints injected some summer fun into the catwalk yesterday but his latest is not for the faint hearted.

There were whispers of ‘What was he thinking’ in the office when we saw a very confused looking polka crazy menswear look, but I think with Holland, his madness is his making. His clothes are anything but subtle and couldn’t possibly be worn by any respectable person over the age of 25 (even that may be pushing it) but I think that’s his appeal. He’s young and fun and that shows in his collection.

I mean what could we have expected from the man that brought us bright blue mini kilts with a matching eye patch last autumn? I say keep doing what you do best Henry, besides I loved the 90’s.

My second major show today, Louise Goldin, ended fashion Tuesday wonderfully. Unfortunately I was not privileged enough to see Christopher Kane today but at least I have Goldin to send me happily to sleep tonight.

Luring in a big fashion crowd (The Elle fashion team was out in force) Goldin did not disappoint with an amazing show of futuristic sculptured design and glitz. Highly structured white dresses opened the show, displaying Goldin's knack for creativity and tailoring. Over the top and outrageous seemed to rule the collection with transparent organza dresses and pastel knits nestled under elaborate white structures.

A skin tight swarovski encrusted bodysuit caught my eye, even if I may never have anywhere to where it, I think I would be quite happy spending Sundays strutting around my living room in it or maybe to the corner shop. As did the fusion of silk and knit into the dresses. Goldin's SS09 was completely unwearable but completely wonderful. Her take on femininity mixed graphic prints with bone like structures to create a highly interesting and creative show that will secure Goldins name in fashion for years to come.

The atmosphere at the show was suitably excited although that may have been the champagne I was sipping even though I preferred the blood orange juice and lemonade. Also quite suitable Bangers and Mash was served up - fabulously British and fitting. And the venue was so packed there were people crowding the isles - much to annoyance of a certain fashion editor who forced them all to sit on the steps.

Sigh there's a never a dull Tuesday in fashion world.

I have just got back from Emma Cook at London Fashion Week and it was amazing. Quirky cool was the theme at Emma Cook with plenty of floaty white and ruffles to put us in a summer mood.

Sheer black and tight silver pencil skirts hinted at a more grown up collection but the fabulous rose- like ruffles throughout and the iridescent pink and peach flapper cocktail dresses, owned the catwalk. I loved the fringed pale grey flapper dress and a pretty pink-tiered dress with a reference, it seemed, to the sea.
It was also clear that Cook had thought about British weather as a whole line of clear macs encrusted in Swarovski crystals paraded down the catwalk, that’s rain with style.

Quirky prints and cropped jackets kept the collection very playful where as soft hues of gold, grey and pink created a very relaxed but elegant feel to the show.
Cook kept it all very fresh and young, and counterbalanced the 1920’s dresses with chunky ruffled platforms (her own design for Topshop), and plenty of feminine frills and tucks.

The atmosphere was very relaxed and energetic but that may have been the quails egg Benedict and blood-orange juices they were serving to the fashion hungry crowd. Goodie bags totes designed by Cook for Topshop lined the rows, but it seemed that only front row (no I didn’t get one) got a little something, maybe something from Swarovski, one of the sponsors or maybe some Mac makeup.

Next up Louise Goldin SS09 – I’ll keep you posted.