Fashion PR

While the fash pack discussed who’d be wearing what at tonight’s star-studded Bafta Awards it was down to business at Somerset House and surrounding venues. Capturing the mood, which I must add, feels a tad serious this season, was Matthew Williamson. This time round Williamson abandoned his floaty bohemian aesthetic in exchange for a cleaner, strong-lined look. “I wanted to sharpen things up a bit,” he told press backstage and this he did with slim-cut trousers, ribbon-trimmed shift dresses and boxy coats in vibrant shades.

A sentiment that was clearly echoed elsewhere – the Fash Ed’s favourite Richard Nicoll received praise galore for his easy take on precision-cut tailoring. The London born Australian bred designer has been highly regarded by the fashion press for sometime and his talent has not gone unnoticed as he fronts Italian brand Cerruti later this month. For his own eponymous label however, he offered suiting softened with pleats, drapes and panels. Perfect for the style savvy working girl.

Richard Nicoll Fall Fashion 2010. London.

Referencing and feminizing menswear is also a key element at Todd Lynn – all slim cut trousers and androgynous cool. Wonder what Janet Jackson made of it all as she sat front row alongside Roland Mouret and Marc Almond. Tainted Love indeed as Lynn’s inspiration sourced uniform, military and hunting in shades of nude, tobacco and grey. Word is Jackson flew over especially after Lynn recently worked his style magic for her latest pop promo.

Back on schedule, thanks to brand buyer Harold Tillman, Aquascutum delivered a polished show influenced by The French Lieutenant’s Woman. It seems hemlines range from the super-short to floor-length come autumn and Michael Herz, creative head at Aquascutum selected the latter. Short belted jackets were worn over tailored long skirts and it was a relief to see a pair of well-cut wide-leg trousers after copious skinny variations out there. Classic, confident and extremely wearable in one fail swoop.