If you thought fashion's appetite for all things opulent and extravagant had run its course, the first indications of this year's winter trends would suggest otherwise. Shades of gold, fuchsia, duck-egg blue and — yes — leopard print, shone bright against black velvet and tulle at eveningwear expert Ben De Lisi's Decadence show, as fashion week got underway this Sunday.
Described by the designer as 'like a thousand chinese lanterns lighting up the night sky', De Lisi's Autumn/Winter 07 collection shown at the BFC tent made for a glamorous start to the week. His signature low-cut cocktail dresses were decorated with starkly contrasting metallic lace, while voluminous organza ballgowns in rich browns and dusky pinks gave way to a sweeter, more feminine feel. The collection was completed with a range of winter coats in pale colours and metalic sheens, all featuring oversized, almost futuristically wide collars.
