Nobody does quirky English androgyny quite like Paul Smith, and for his Spring/Summer 2012 catwalk show the British designer sent out a polished collection that included wearable wardrobe staples with a tomboyish twist. Trousers were either slim and cropped, or wide and slouchy and were teamed with crisp shirts tucked in. Floaty sundresses and A-line skirts fell to the knee and there were crisp, beautifully cut blazers, all in a range of rich jewel shades – teal, mustard, burgundy and aqua blue.
These were the sort of pieces you could imagine slinging into a suitcase and pulling out to wear anywhere from an English country cottage to the sun-soaked Italian coast, while always feeling perfectly dressed for the setting. While the clothes were elegant and casual, the accessories were the real highlight of the show – laceless brogues and loafers in surprising shades of pink and neon yellow patent leather, and chic little bags with pink polka dots and electric blue trim. Neon yellow Chelsea boots sound terribly wrong, but looked totally right. Sir Paul has built a global brand by finding the perfect balance between masculine and feminine in his clothes and sprinkling a touch of English eccentricity over it all.
Fashion Week 2011Jaeger London catwalk show
Vivienne Westwood Red Label catwalk show
