Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood known for her punk rock influence in the seventies and for infamously dressing front man for the Sex Pistols, Johnny Rotten, took to the run way with the ‘War on Terror’ in mind. The number 56 was printed on an abundance of garments. The digits reflected the maximum reported number of days the government would like terror suspects were to be detained. Westwood voiced her strong political beliefs as the models sauntered down the runway, including her distaste with Prime Minister Gordon Brown. "I'll be voting against him, definitely. Anything to get him out," said Westwood. The designer saw Brown as an unreasonable “tyrant” with a harsh approach to anti-terror laws.

The collection embodied a fusion of political voice and a proposed fictional union between Marilyn Monroe and an English Lord. Her notes conjured the question, what could happen if “Marilyn Monroe had married an English lord with a country estate and had a kinky relationship?” The entire collection reflected a dishevelled assortment of garments, a lustrous affair, as though the models were pressed for time in getting dressed. Pull-overs and cardigans were askew over unkempt dresses while jackets were matched with low crotched trousers. The first model appeared in a grey bedraggled knitted ensemble while evening gowns were crumpled and voluminous in shades of jet black, sunshine yellow and an assortment of egg shell white accompanied by bold prints.

Christian Dior

Stings, An Englishmen in New York set the tone as the first model appeared in a striped 1930’s inspired pants suit paired with a spotted beret. John Galliano’s collection reflected the golden era’s of Hollywood including the ever changing influence of Marlene Dietrich and even a little Joan Crawford. Sting and Trudie Styler were present in the front row observing the menagerie of early Hollywood.

The collection reflected a multifaceted approach to fashion; his garments embraced an assortment of forms. Candy pink chiffon frocks exposed nude flesh while a rich crimson strapless satin-silk gown reflected the dramatic sensuality of the collection. Animal prints and bowler hats encompassed the theatrical theme. Pinstriped ‘wise-guy’ suits and suspenders added a strong masculine motif resulting in the models appearing strong and sensual as opposed to linear and androgynous.

Feminine party dresses were decked in black and white prints, accompanied by bowler hats and berets. Lengthened evening gowns in soft hues of lavender and coral green encompassed timeless classics.

Galliano took his bows in top hat, tails and polar white tailored boxer shorts.