It's a well known fact that British fashion editor and directors don't go to the London shows besides an appearance at Westwood, Giles or Christopher Kane. So it was a great suprise to see a full house at the Jaeger show last night.
Groups of people battled the crowds, slyly moving into the express quewe of editors and buyers, and just as quickly sent back to their spot in the bottom of the food chain by the bouncers, much to my amusement.
Tim Blanks, Alexa Chung (trying her best to cover a bad cold sore with little luck), Hilary Alexander, Jasper Conran, Erin O'Conner and Chris Eubanks (random I know) all graced the front row to see the legendary British brands fall offerings.
After running to the wrong venue (I went to the party venue rather than the show, stupid I know), I finally made it to the Qasimi show in Baker Street this afternoon. I'm tired and the great news is- it's only day two.
I love the way designers are using the location of their shows to develop an idea or concept in their show. Last season, Stefano Pilati showed his collection for YSL in a cage like space, linking to this season's most talked about 'cage shoe'. Today the show was in an old church, developing the gothic influences.
Betty Jackson has plenty of adoring fans, judging by the presence of Jefferson Hack, Erin O'Connor, Leah Wood and Lorraine Kelly in her front row and the hefty pack of well-wishers who mobbed her backstage after her show. Colin McDowell suggested singing a song, and Hilary Alexander couldn't gush enough.
"The whole show - fabulous," she told me. "It redefines feminism. It's what women want to wear right now."
Well said, Hil. Full review of the print- and floral-heavy show (with more pictures and inside details from Betty herself) to come later. We need time to pick the best shots of Jourdan Dunn, Liu Wen and Tanya D.
Sometimes it's surprisingly hard to find Lily Cole at London Fashion Week (maybe she's off on more French Playboy shoots), but luckily enough, we've spotted her with a handful of other big-name models of all generations.
Lily Cole modeled in the Qasimi show today, with Erin O'Connor opening and Jaquetta Wheeler and Jasmine Guinness walking later. Even Yasmin Le Bon took a surprise turn on the runway, with hubby Simon watching front-row.
But none of the girls got as big of a cheer as Carmen Dell'Orifice, the legendary model who still sparkles at 70+. The Harry Winstons on her neck didn't hurt...
