English/Nat
The second day of London Fashion Week has contrasted the styles of the latest fresh talent with more established designers.
The international fashion world has descended on London which has now become one of the hottest style capitals.
But despite all the plaudits many successful British designers are broke.
Pearce Fionda may not be the label in everyone’s clothes yet, but they’re already the name on every fashion editor’s lips.
The London-based design team chose the top people’s store, Harrods to present their collection.
The doyenne of style writers, Suzy Menkes, from the International Herald Tribune, saw sophisticated clothes, based around black and white.
But ironically the designers, whose dresses have been worn by Cher and Celine Dion, are penniless.
Even though they were named Young World Designer, amongst other awards, a cashflow crisis meant their collection nearly didn’t happen.
Nevertheless they’re committed to London.
SOUNDBITE:
The last few seasons has been getting better and better. So what more can you say ?
We’re really happy to be involved in London Fashion Week. We feel like a major player here. If we moved abroad to Paris or Milan we wouldn’t feel like that so we’re quite happy. We’re home-grown boys.
SUPER CAPTION: Andrew Fionda (left, with beard) and Ron Pearce (right), Designers
Tomasz Starzewski is already a well-established name on the London fashion scene.
His elegant clothes have been worn by the Princess of Wales, amongst others.
He showed sophisticated suits and dresses, with a lighter touch from nippy little body suits.
And a dramatic finale, with glitzy evening gowns and the traditional wedding dress.
The models who have to wear the clothes say London is the place to be.
SOUNDBITE:
I think London is becoming more important in fashion and I think it’s about time because they’re very very cool designers, really fast forward, you know futuristic. New fresh looks, you know, it’s really nice.
SUPER CAPTION: Ingrid Sehnhaven, Fashion Model
British fashion has been given a boost by the news that Vivienne Westwood will return to London to show her collection from next spring.
She decided to show in Paris several years ago and her decision is seen as proof of London’s stronger reputation.
SOUNDBITE:
London is growing fast. We’re also becoming more international this season with the arrival of Tommy Hilfiger here, Vivienne Westwood returning next season, so London is very much established, very much moving forward. Paris or Milan, great, great shows , good luck to them, but London is going to do well as well.
SUPER CAPTION: John Wilson, British Fashion Council
The second day took a more funky turn, with the spring collection from street fashion designer Red or Dead.
Their theme – an Indian Summer, with Victorian-influenced bathing suits in a show firmly aimed at trendy young things.
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