London Fashion Week A/W 2008-9 : Luella

It’s no secret that I’m verging on obsession with Luella, and I’m most definitely not the only one. The uber-cool Brit label, now back showing in London for a second season, attracted an enviable front row of London town’s coolest kids for her show this morning. Kelly Osbourne, Alexa Chung, Lily Allen, the Stewart sisters, Jaime Winston and KT Tunstall were all present at the Claridge’s ballroom and mostly decked out in the label’s spring/summer collection. Despite the first few outfits appearing rather witchy, my PR pal informed me that the official influences for the season were '70s skateboard films and bad-ass Brit schoolgirls (think more St Trinian’s than Grange Hill).

The schoolgirl look wasn't too literal, don't worry, no mini skirts and knee high socks here. Still, ribbon-trimmed Peter Pan collar blouses, a plaid shirt dress, and heavy wool coats in princess and duffel styles had a distinctly youthful air. While thick-coloured tights and shiny shoes brought back memories of school uniforms, although I'm pretty sure I never looked this good at school.

The skater influence may have been a little more subtle (none of the baggy cords and fat trainers I used to love, thank goodness), but it was still evident in the styling details. Knitted beanie hats were perched atop ratted, backcombed, crimped hair. Bundles of colourful keyring purses swung from belts and bags, and checked scarves layered around the head and neck. A more literal translation of the skater boy look came with cardigans, plaid flannel, a thick donkey jacket with utility finishing and a boyish striped jumper, which was worryingly similar to one worn by my skateboarding ex.

Of course dresses are what Luella does best, and there was no shortage of instantly covetable frocks here. From the house specialties - flirty mini prom dreses in soft peach and pretty chintz printed tea dresses in navy chiffon - to decidedly darker, more body-con numbers in black lace and satin. If schoolgirls were the influence, these last few numbers were the cool Goth girl who sat at the back of the room and scowled a lot. And I mean that in the best possible way.

Hannah Kane

[Images: Catwalking.com / Getty]

Want to watch Aigua Fashion TV? Click here for the latest videos

Came straight to this page? Visit www.catwalkqueen.tv for loads more stories!

Posted by Catwalk Queen on February 15, 2008 4:00 PM in Fashion Week| London Fashion Week
Permalink | Comments (1) | digg this | del.icio.us this | Stumble It!

Comments