Ashley Isham fuk@lfw a/w 06

Ashley Isham is renowned for dressing the 'smart set' and has built up a solid reputation by excelling in refined, lady-like pieces. This is an expensive collection, spilt into three different themes: city, dream and colour.

His opening outfit - a monochrome tweed and lurex jacket, was reminiscent of classic Chanel. We then saw a succession of more tweed, pencil skirts, tailored jackets and belted coats worn by Hitchcock-style heroines with chignons and vertiginous heels. Very Tippi Hedren and very polished.

Bows were also a key theme, either tied around the waist or placed on the shoulder. Next up, were a series of floor-length column dresses in sumptuous jersey and liquid satin. Simple and effective, this is Isham at his very best.

Suddenly, the mood changed. As fake petals rained down, warrior-esque models strutted down the catwalk in a succession of show-stopping gold and black dresses dripping with sequins. There was clearly a melting pot of influences including oriental, Moroccan, punk, and African.

Colourful occasion wear followed in hues of tangerine, teal and lime. This was interspersed sporadically with a selection of menswear in leather, velvet and denim.

www.ashleyisham.com

Words: Bianca Donnelly. Photos: David Jones.