Lisa Armstrong, Fashion Editor
Grab an Italian masterpiece for less

Watch the backstage video and hear Lisa's post-show comments
Random highlights from London Fashion Week to date include antlers at Henry Holland, a leather helmet featuring a unicorn horn and a gold jumpsuit with its crotch somewhere round the ankles courtesy of a masked designer called Noki. And let us not, as if we could, forget the return to London after ten years of Dame Vivienne Westwood, the godmother of British fashion.
It wasn’t mainline Westwood that showed last night but Red Label, her more affordable defusion range (trousers from £90). Essentially these are her greatest hits — the original tartan mini cut asymmetrically, bondage shoes with chains tying them together, ribbed jumper dresses, high-waisted fishtail skirts and the sexiest jackets around, all with the inimitable Westwood cut.
Obviously there was a political placard or two, this time about Guantanamo Bay, borne aloft, naturally, by a bare-breasted model.
This was more fun than her Paris shows, which sometimes seem like laborious works in progress. The enthusiastic rent-a-mob of fashion — Kelly Osbourne and friends plus the relative newcomers Lily Allen, Cuba Gooding Jr and David Walliams added to the atmosphere. But the real kick came from seeing how what starts out as shocking can eventually end up in your wardrobe. Maybe if a truly inspiring, creative mind waits long enough the world catches up.
When a model daintily weaves down a sweeping staircase in an oyster-coloured cloqué full skirt and belted, hip-length jacket that makes Grace Kelly look like a slob you think, ‘Hang on, have I died and ended up in fashion hell?’ ie, a never-ending New York show with the ladies who pretend to eat lunch eyeing skirts at Oscar de la Renta.
This was not the afterlife but Asprey — the label that has had its ups and downs since working its way through a host of designers and about $550 million (£280 million) after its relaunch four years ago. The good news is that these pastel tweed suits and chiffon petal dresses are individually and impeccably crafted. As a complete package however it lacks a cool vibe. Given how heavily brands such as Mulberry and Burberry play on their British roots it seems perverse to be tailored so completely to a nebulous sense of über luxury that can be bought at many places.
Talking of Mulberry, it is finally getting serious about its clothes, bringing prices down to the mid-designer level (about £300-400 for a dress). Shaggy Mongolian jackets, Lurex trousers, pretty dresses made from cotton rosettes and flared skirts were worn with shiny, clunky soled boots, hitting all of the trends with the right attitude. Courtney Love, guest of honour, was more of a phantom of honour, not making it in person. Still, it was the crack of noon.
If it is attitude that you want, Luella is your label, with eclectic vintage for those who would rather not rummage through real vintage. Stand-out items included navy chiffon blouses (one of the great buys for next winter), with tiny white sprigs on them, a puff-shouldered tweed coat and wooden and tartan clog-brogue (clogue?) footwear. In the grand scheme of life the latter may not be an essential but it made me smile.
Industry sectors news at a glance. Interactive heatmap, video and podcast
Everything the Business Traveller needs to know to make a better trip
Get ready for the winter sports season, with our resort guides and snow reports
We are backing British business, what is the confidence of the nation and what businesses are succeeding?
Growing demand for energy, oil that is harder to reach and the rise of carbon dioxide emissions. We examine the energy challenge
With rail travel in Europe on the rise, we review the benefits of travelling by train
Enjoy further reading from Travel to Fashion, Business to Sport, discover more
Shortcuts to help you find sections and articles
1998
£47,955
12 months for the price of 11 and a 5% discount.
Offer ends 31/11/09
Check your free Experian credit report before applying
Car Insurance
to £60K + bonus (OTE £90k)
Lord Search & Selection
Location Flexible
PwC’s Consulting practice helps businesses of all shapes
and sizes work smarter and grow faster.
£85k
CPA
Highly Competitve
Specsavers
Whiteley, near Southampton
Moments from Battersea Park.
For sale with Winkworth
Find out about shared ownership.
See your free Experian credit report beforehand
Book now & save over £100pp.
11 cool resorts, lowest prices... Early Booking offers 15 Nov.
20% off selected Azores holidays taken in October with Sunvil Discovery
Get covered on your travels with a superb range of policies at great prices. Visit InsureandGo.com
World Class Golf, Spa and preferential Beach Club. Private estate overlooking West Coast
Villas from £275 per night inclusive of Golf
Contact our advertising team for advertising and sponsorship in Times Online, The Times and The Sunday Times, or place your advertisement.
Times Online Services: Dating | Jobs | Property Search | Used Cars | Holidays | Births, Marriages, Deaths | Subscriptions | E-paper
News International associated websites: Globrix Property Search | Milkround
Copyright 2009 Times Newspapers Ltd.
This service is provided on Times Newspapers' standard Terms and Conditions. Please read our Privacy Policy.To inquire about a licence to reproduce material from Times Online, The Times or The Sunday Times, click here.This website is published by a member of the News International Group. News International Limited, 1 Virginia St, London E98 1XY, is the holding company for the News International group and is registered in England No 81701. VAT number GB 243 8054 69.