Joanna Sykes is the woman at the helm of Aquascutum and she’s brought her own relaxed take on glamour to the British heritage brand. The show took place in the white-and-gold ballroom of the Corinthia Hotel in Whitehall but the music (The Modern Lovers’ Pablo Picasso) immediately set up a contrast that reflected the theme of the collection – heritage with a punk twist. Contrasting fabrics defined the Spring/Summer 2012 collection, with PVC panels adding a fetishistic touch to silk vests and dresses. The mainly neutral colour palette – beige, grey and white – was lifted by pop-punk touches of neon. A fluoro yellow vest was teamed with cream PVC trousers, while shiny black stripes prevented ladylike boucle suits from looking too prim.
The signature Aquascutum mac was deconstructed and reassembled with contrasting sections of PVC, layered panels and cut-out detailing – a luxe, 21st century take on a timeless classic. We spotted yet another cagoule (fast becoming a London Fashion Week motif), this time in blue-grey PVC and some daringly sheer chiffon tees added to the punk aesthetic. A stiff, oversized collar on one coat had a dandyish feel and there were plenty of casual, slouchy silk trouser suits in grey and white. Our favourite look was a nubby cardigan layered over a PVC pencil skirt – the perfect balance of ladylike and vamp.
London Fashion Week 2011
The Front Row
London Fashion Week predictions
