On the opening day of London Fashion Week, Caroline Charles presented her Autumn/Winter 2009 collection to a selected audience of press, buyers and members of the fashion community. Sunday Times Style Senior Fashion Writer, Colin McDowell and Daily Telegraph Fashion Editor, Hilary Alexander, were spotted getting their Caroline Charles fix from the front row.
“The mood of the Autumn/Winter 2009 Collection is one of restrained luxury, crafted from quality fabrics that are long lasting and skilfully made – the perfect solution to dressing up in sober times” – Caroline Charles
Tapping into a “harvest-inspired” theme, Caroline Charles sent models down the catwalk in a variety of tweed jackets belted at the waist and accessorized with breaches, and then contemporized the theme with leopard print fur coats, to produce a modern-looking farm girl.
The models carried wicker baskets filled with dried flowers and grasses and had leaves in autumn shades attached into their beautifully arranged hairstyles. Ruffled-fronted suede jackets complemented the “harvest festival” aesthetic perfectly, and the animal print wrap dresses and blouses in chiffon and silk brought the spirit of the safari onto the catwalk.
Chestnut, cognac, nutmeg and olive are the colours favoured by Caroline Charles this season, and are demonstrated with chenille jackets and cashmere sweaters. Orange and cream floral and paisley printed smock dresses, teamed with tweed-check suits, emphasized on the town and country aspect to the collection.
And then the farm girl got cosmopolitan…
In the middle of the show, the collection grew up from land girl and turned into a cool, sophisticated, urban woman. Long structured coats and matching wide leg flannel trousers and pencil skirts were colored in steely greys, matching the cityscape that appropriately suited the collection, and the bleak grey weather – that’s London for you. Black jackets and elasticised belts in durable weather toughened up the look, and utilized the “urban cool” theme for the second half of the collection.
With regards to evening wear, Charles showed her signature jacket, richly embellished with beads in Rajasthani fashion, and embroidered dresses. And to conclude, her “lady in red” turned out to be an unconventional bride, in a scarlet lace and veil, with satin shoes and roses to match.
Overall, the collection boasted interesting themes and appropriate garments for next season. Ranging from delicate paisley frocks, to tough leather jackets – whether you’re an urban chick, or land girl at heart, Caroline Charles provides a look for all, with her signature style of classic elegance and grown up glamour.
Images courtesy of the Fashion Spot forums.
