British designers centre-stage at London Fashion Week
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sculptured dresses made of stiffened wool, bright prints and heavy jewelling returned to London Fashion Week on Sunday as Matthew Williamson led a day dominated by established British designers.
Williamson caused huge excitement when he returned to London last September after years of showing in New York - and his autumn/winter 2010 show had all the glamour, sophistication and colour that his fans expect.
Opening with a structured grey dress with protrusions in stiffened wool and a cape-style top, Williamson offered sumptuous fur coats, collars and gilets matched with playful bright dresses and multicoloured prints.
Belts inlaid with huge jewels were laid on sparkling wrapped mini-dresses, tapered trousers had glittery detailing down the front, and bolero jackets were embellished with swirling fans of fabric at the shoulders and heavy beading.
Among Williamson's friends in the front row were actress Sienna Miller and 1960s model Twiggy, who said he was "the best".
"I think it's really exciting, because he's totally evolved. The last couple of seasons he's been heading in a totally new direction and I think this is cementing it," said Miller, whose own Twenty8Twelve line is showing here.
Earlier, Betty Jackson opened the day of British talent with a collection using wools, leathers, furs, silks and swirling and horizontal prints inspired by the sunsets and colour blends of English artist JMW Turner.
One year off the 30th anniversary of her collection, she was on trend with denim drainpipe trousers and a matching cape-like top, and a high-waisted denim skirt worn with a black leather crop-top.
Aubergine corduroy trousers with big pockets and mannish jackets in a shiny brown tweed-like material paid tribute to the trend for masculine clothing also seen at Margaret Howell, who matched boyfriend trousers with slouchy big knits.
Celebrating 40 years since she founded her label, Howell used multiple layers with mannish suits showing untucked shirts underneath.
Oversized shirt dresses in corduroy, red, and blue and black checks were matched with long-belted cardigans or under a fitted classic red jumper - always belted, with a thin leather strap to define the waist.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments