Lisa Armstrong, Fashion Editor
Download your 2 for 1 Pizza Express voucher

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
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?
Enjoy further reading from Travel to Fashion, Business to Sport, discover more
Shortcuts to help you find sections and articles
2006/06
£POA
Surrey
2009
£114,950
Derbyshire
The best policy at the
best price
Be Wiser Insurance
£POA
Surrey
Highly competitive six figure
Nationwide
Swindon
Competitive benefits package
Chartered Institute of Builders
Ascot
Competitive salary + benefits
NHS Direct
London
£125K
Meltwater News
Nationwide Positions
With Part Exchange Crest Nicholson could get you moving.
Award-winning riverside development, SW11.
Luxury apartments for sale from £350,000.
Find out more about our luxurious apartments and houses for sale in the heart of Sussex.
for sale in the French Alps
from E189,000.
We're offering extra savings on Voyager & Adventure of the seas Mediterranean Cruises fr £549.
Book by 28 Feb!
Includes 3* accommodation throughout, a 15 minute Apollo night helicopter flight down the Las Vegas strip and United Airlines flights from Heathrow.
Same break by air costs £189. Valid for weekend travel until 31 Aug 10.
Get covered on your travels with a superb range of policies at great prices
Visit InsureandGo.com
Family friendly villas with Quality Villas. Book with the specialists.
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: Milkround
Copyright 2010 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.