Roving Reporter: Jaeger

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.

I haven't been excited by many shows this season in London. Fall is my favourite season but a lot of the collections have been very summery with florals, chiffon and taffetta. As our winters get colder, designers think that we should be shedding the layers it seems. Jaeger was the first show to present a solid collection of strong autumn/winter looks. The colour palette was strong, sticking to cream and monochrome, with flashes of aubergine. You left feeling that you had seen a fall show. Jackets were boxy and structured and shoulders pronounced and were clearly influenced by sci-fi. Jackets were layered over strapless jumpsuits, high waisted silver grey trousers and contrasting feminine cream blouses with black polka dots. Jaeger continues to deliver for the professional woman on the go.

This season they proved why they have lasted 125 years and are still at the forefront of classic British style and luxury. When you buy a piece from Jager, you don't need anything else.

Roving Reporter: Qasimi

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.


It's hard to believe that design duo, H. H Khalid bin Sultan and Elliott J. Freeze, only started their brand in August 2007. Their debut collection in February for sping/summer 2009 receieved raving reviews, making the brand a firm favourite amongst fashion industry insiders. Erin O'Conner made another appearance on the catwalk for the duo, after convincing her to walk for their debut spring/summer collection.


The duo definately know how to work with a trend, run with and make it even better. The collection referenced the dark romance and 90s goth influences that has been doing the rounds over the past week. Leather appeared in abundance on dramatic multi layer dresses, waistcoats and on headwear. Menswear was exquisite. Male models were dressed in slim line tuxedo jackets layered over a black waistcoat and shirt.


It's not surprising that Khalid is architecturally trained. The detail in the corsetry on the dresses and the designers experimentation with leather was exquisite, not to mention the major Harry Winston blingage that was going on.

It was refreshing to see a brand not fall victim to the pressure the economy is having on designers. The collection was far from understated and the design duo were not apologetic about it. Qasimi is definatelty "luxury without compromise". "The brand has a classic air to it but the cut and fit is very contemporary- pure lines which posses a high degree of sophistication and elegance" says Khalid.

Seen and Overheard: They Like Me, They Really Like Me

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.

Seen and Overheard: Models Unite

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...