Paul Costello
London Fashion Week kicked off today with Dublin born designer Paul Costello. His use of traditional crisp linens and tweeds were ever present, as were the inclusion of soft separates and bright pinks. His use of ‘Fabrics are so important,’ he mentions. ‘They must feel great and be fluid’. His designs remain classic and elegant, with a strong emphasis on prints and colour blocking. This season Costello appears to be moving away from his classic range of frocks to a more casual unstructured template of chic separates.
Gavin Douglas
Gavin Douglas, winner of the 2006 Fashion Fringe competition, chaired by Tom Forde, show cased an eclectic youthful collection. Baby-Doll thigh skimmers and tulip wonders accompanied micro mini rah-rah skirts. Longer hemlines and a classic trench tied in with spring’s popular themes.
Ben De Lisi
American born designer, Ben De Lisi has become a house hold name with the success of his evening wear range, BDL for Debenhams. Currently in the process of filming the third season of Project Catwalk, and a possible Ben De Lisi fragrance in the woodworks, his collection remains a tribute to classic evening wear. Feminine frocks embrace a loose silhouette in shades of jet black, charcoal grey, arctic white and soft blue. Classic gowns are contrasted with bright funky plastic cut outs in ravenous red and sailor blue. His approach to evening gowns remained understated while his frocks were youthful and adventurous.
Unconditional
Phillip Steven’s could attribute the success of his collection to the simplicity of lavish basics. Neutral tones, understated elegance and simple lines have catapulted his collections to stardom, having dressed several stars including David Beckham and Jude Law, his classic use of colour blocking adds elegance and luxury to each ensemble. He embraces key shades of jet black, ivory nude and polar white on classic pieces, while his more casual garments become brighter with hues of summer green, candy pink and shellfish. His designs remain uncluttered and simple with a definite shift towards the inclusion of bright pigments, while remaining true to his classic edgy pedigree.
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