Roving Reporter : 3.1 Phillip Lim : In Detail

Though the main collection was a mixture of decades (70s and 80s), there was a prim, equestrian vibe developing here. The cut on this jacket is so incredibly creative and a total wardrobe staple - the outfits you could build around such an enigma!

Leather was a look I thought we had well got rid of, but this full, 50s skater-style skirt is really tickling my fancy. Again teamed with a prim shirt/jacket and laced gloves, Phillip Lim has combined unlikely factors to create a well styled and innovative look.

Furry skirt (I have nothing else to add).

Love, love, love these shoots (shoe-boots). There is a slight element of baseball boot to them, again a trend that has been creeping back on to the catwalks for A/W09. Adore the pastel shade and the snakeskin.

Take note: toe shapes. There have been lots of chunky pointed toes showing for next season. Also note the stitch line down the middle of the toe. This was also seen at Marc Jacobs (see Marc Jacobs: In Detail).

I have often suffered this dilemma. I have donned my gorgeous, elbow-length gloves but then want to wear bangles. Well dilemma solved! Just chuck them over the top. Phew. Take note: silver sparkle on the dress, gold bangles on the arm. It's OK to mix your metals. Also on the way: platform stiletto heels.

Disco bags: big bags are back. This beautiful leather has been jazzed up for any 80s-style lady. Love the metallic.

Roving Reporter : Preen

Preen are a huge favourite of mine. They're famous for their asymmetric, deconstructed innovation, and this season was no exception.

Cut-outs are a clear trend winner for A/W09 and Preen more than most have it down to a fine art. Alongside slashed-out sections, they delicately worked chiffon, leather, wool and innovative sparkliness into a fun and playful collection, both rich in colour and design.

Perfect in pink, these beautifully tailored and slightly peg-legged, ankle-skimming trousers are possibly my favourite thing so far this season. Well draped and totally sassy. I love the sheer shirting too. Though in the real world, I'm thinking perhaps a camisole underneath wouldn't go amiss - after all, its not really appropriate Tube attire, is it?

This Pucci-inspired print was far more S/S than A/W, but in true British style, who am I to complain? Again, asymmetric dressing is a key trend, sure to continue a few more seasons.

I loved the way Preen replaced a shoulder with sheer fabric, developing the cut-out trend to a new level.

Hey Jill, look it's your favourite! Here at Fash Pack (though half-vegetarian), we LOVE fur! (But we haven't completely justified it in our minds...) This asymmetric, powdery fur coat is racing straight to the top of our wish list.

Preen trouser shapes mirrored dresses, sleek and body-con, though they weren't quite as skinny as the indie jeans of last year. Trousers are definitely tailored for A/W09. Oh and fur, cardigan, coat, love at first sight!

Monochrome magic, again another body-con piece. Models look like they are wearing flat pumps? Could this be true?! (My ankles hope so.) This piece reminded me of S/S, Henry Holland (see MIA at the Grammys). Again, slight tribal printing and sheer fabric make a great twist on cut-outs (don't you just love it when trends all come together).

One of my faves from the whole collection. Preen is renowned for their rock-and-roll twist, and this wet-look dress is perfect for all those stylish rebels. So how do Preen work? Well here is my theory . . .

'Midriff slashes and a well placed twist = a masterpiece!'

S/S08 was the year of the 80s skater skirt and it looks like, with the inevitable 80s return, so is one our coolest skirt shapes. While super-flirty and full, this little number is perfectly girly. I absolutely adore this.

Always a winter classic, I adore this oversized dogtooth check coat. I have to admit, I was rather surprised that this was the first time I've seen it for A/W. In typical Preen style, they have vastly exaggerated its size with great fitted leather cuffs. Love the rock-couture feel!

It seems that are British-born designers are totally blowing away New York! If only we could support them enough that they would come back home. Either way, I'm pretty keen to claim back Preen as one of our.

Come Brits, show the Yanks (Jill, we love you) what we're made of.

Roving Reporter: Vena Cava

Sophie Buhai and Lisa Maycock are moving forward by looking back. This season's Vena Cava presentation mixed modern technology with 80s quirkiness (holographic sequins??), and most of the looks came off likeable.


Let's start with the relatively simple, yes? The designers give off a Marios Schwab feel with this V-necked sleeveless number, and the print feels like a combination of an old tapestry and something straight from an 80s brunch. With tougher footwear, this is easily Camden-appropriate.


It wouldn't be Vena Cava without cut-outs. We're seeing lots of side flesh this season, even though it's a cruel joke to make people stay away from the biscuit jar when the work world is so crap. Kidding. Love.

Moving quickly on, we have a clearer example of techie and 80s. Want some shimmery fringe? Then of course you should pair it with a sailor-striped top and something in sheer nude. Speaking of sheer, tights are lower denier again. This usually ends up more flattering on the leg, but the downside is you have to shave.


The sheer panel at the top of this tank dress has been around since last season, but the slashes of fringe make the style feel fresh. Pop a bow in your hair, and you're ready to go out.


I saved the most shocking for last. Skipping the obvious focal point for a sec, I'm glad the blazer is sticking around as the cover-up of choice, and the asymmetric closure make this a better curve-lover than many high-street alternatives. We could do a Rate or Slate on the skirt, but I'm going to defend it as a welcome dose of whimsy for a season when many designers are thinking doom and gloom.