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: Nico D

Nico D is all about wearability - and we love that. Chunky knits in classic shapes were styled with oversized leather bags, trilby and khaki trousers for ultimate comfort.

Tailoring was a strength of the show. Jackets, with oversized collars in satin, were boxy and structured with angular shapes at the front, drawing on Didonna's interest in geometry this season.

Evening wear was strong, tied in by a theme of sequins that adroned black turtlenecks, mens tuxedos and floor length evening gowns.

Geometric shapes was the source of inspiration for the show but was not clear in the collection. Individual looks worked well, but toverall the show lacked cohesion. The designer served us with a bit of leather and grunge, some sequins a la Ashish and some casual urban wearable looks rather than committing to one theme and seeing it through. Styling was also inconsistent, starting off very strong and losing it's punch towards the last few looks where a beautiful black knee length dress was teamed with pink fish net tights.

Roving Reporter: Erin Fetherston

Remember the sugary sweet designer who put her goodies in Target a few seasons back? She's still here (and so are the bows), but with focus on Nutcracker tin soldiers and a leaning towards the structural, Erin Fetherston is showing a different side of her aesthetic.


It started with this look - pretty telling for the rest of what was to come. Many of Fetherston's pieces were jackets, whether peplum or prim and proper, paired with statement skirts and graphic tights. And check the headwear.




That's not to say the designer was all about big and bold. She went gothic but ladylike with a lace blouse, those ever popular peg legs and elbow-high, sheer gloves; and an asymmetrical, button-up swing coat. I love the ankle straps on those shoes.


Fetherston didn't obliterate her roots, though: With a quick turn to the pastel and white-tighted, she showed A-line skirts buffed up with plenty of netting, and perhaps my favourite dress of the collection, a Sugarplum Fairy-worthy asymmetric number of chiffon and silk. What prima ballerina wouldn't want to twirl in her toeshoes in this? Sweet, but with a bit more substance, Fetherston shows once and for all that she has lasting potential.