LONDON FASHION WEEK S/S 04 London Fashion Week's five day feast for the eyes came to a stylish close (on the 24th of September) after a total of 50 shows aired the forthcoming looks for Spring/Summer '04.
Amongst the more established names, members of the media and buyers were shown nine up-and-coming designers some of whom also had stands. Kim Jones, Rafael Lopez, Bora Aksu, Emma Cook, House of Jazz, Jens Laugesen, Jonathan Saunders, Kiki Fakai and Peter Jensen were able to show their work through a collaboration between the British Fashion Council and high street retailer Topshop who offer financial support.
Beauty sponsors P&G — through their model initiative — added extra sparkle by recruiting the likes of Alek Wek, Liberty Ross, Vivian Solari and Tetyana Brazhnyk to strut their stuff for free.
Designer: Burberry
EXQUISITE ENGLISH DRESS Burberry's clever ability to marry together design concepts that reinforce the quintessential Englishness of the brand and fresh ideas was evident in its's S/S '04 collection.
A design coop on the staple trench coat saw it shrunk into a capelet (see picture left) and teamed with dresses, skirts and trousers (in various shades) to yield a sophisticated look.
Opting not to go the floral route when it came to it's pleated wrap dresses and skirts, the label choose, instead, to come up with a rain splash print that will give the wearer endless possibilities as to what it can be worn with.
Other pieces in the collection that stood out were; a lilac pleated skirt with low lapel waistband, a beautifully silhouetted gold wrap dress and a softer line cricket club look.
Models Spotted: Kate Moss, Stella Tennant Prominent Colours: white, black, nude, soft, pink, mint and moss green, lilac Accessories: Feminine handbags in raffia and leather Visit:Burberry
Designer: BOYD S/S '04 — TRANET DAZE The mad, magical freedom-loving period of the late 80's never looked as good as this.
Boyd's aptly labelled Tranet Daze S/S '04 collection (left) gave fleeting glances back to the late 80's when saturday nights were spent dancing to Acid House music in smiley face t-shirts. This time round, the smiley faces were placed strategically on sexy black bikini's [pictured left - use mouse] and boldly on sleeveless T-shirts that were teamed with feminine skirts.
A flowery embroidered mini skirt [pictured] made for an interesting flirty piece that seemed to enforce the feminine nature of the collection that will do well commercially.
Models Spotted: Alek Wek, Elizabeth Jagger Prominent Colours: Red, yellow, white and black Accessories: Medium sized large buckled brown leather belts worn with trousers
Designer: J MASKREY S/S '04 — Midsummer Madness Fuelled on futuristic mix of Goth and old skool Hollywood Glamour J Maskrey S/S '04 collection took the unusual step of using a hearty amount of sequins and metallic fabrics.
A sequin skirt in defused primary colours flowing at diagonals across the waist then veering down in straight widening lines (at the hem) momentarily outshone the lighting as the model sashayed down the catwalk. So too did a mirror jacket [pictured] and a dazzling body suit [also pictured — use mouse]. A halter neck sequin bustier top, a sequin embellished silver bikini underneath a sheer orange dress with fringed sleeves and a watered down Carmen Miranda -esque dress kept the spirit of Hollywood alive.
Prominent Colours: Purple, Orange, pink and white Accessories: Large round bags, custom made jewellery by Judy Blame Visit:J Maskrey
Designer: GHARANI STROK S/S '04 — FireFly Fever Design duo Nargess Gharani and Vanya Strok S/S '04 collection carried a tropical theme throughout their presentation but with an added twist.
No sign of any shades of green instead, over sized salmon coloured flowers boldly printed on a canvass of cream that were linked by branches that seem to accentuate the feminine curves of a women's body (thanks to their clever placement) to become the staple ingredient in the collection.
Soft flowing separates and three-quarter sleeve dresses injected vibrancy that seemed to herald back to the styles of the low waisted sash dresses of the roaring 20's.
Models Spotted: Eva Herzigova, Elizabeth Jagger Prominent Colours: Salmon, China Rose and white/cream Accessories: Zechstein Eyewear. Visit: zechstein Visit:Gharani Strok
Designer: JENNY PACKHAM S/S '04 There was colour everywhere at Jenny Packham's S/S '04 show in designs reminiscent of those worn by Caribbean women on their way to market. Fiery reds matched against golden yellows on a backdrop of black (of the type often found on the plumage of exotic birds) gave the collection a lively feel. Kaftans made an appearance once again but this time they were shorter, with deeper necklines complimenting perfectly a swimwear collection that used many of the patterns and colourful strips to be found on the gypsy styled skirts.
Models Spotted: Jodi Kidd, Alek Wek
Prominent Colours: Yellow, lime white, sky blue, lilac and black Accessories: Silver platform court shoes Visit:Jenny Packham
