Basso & Brooke fuk@lfw a/w 07

This is former Fashion Fringe-winners fifth show at London Fashion Week and while for the last two seasons fashionistas flocked to the Vaults nightclub in London Bridge and then to the Shepherd's Bush Empire, this time the pair chose to show in an afternoon slot at the offical BFC venue.

And quite right too. B&B don't have to rely on a venue to inject magic and atmosphere to their shows. The clothes are mesmerising enough and having had the privilege of seeing some of this collection up close beforehand, I'm reminded of how you only get to see part of the story unfolding from the side of the catwalk. Entitled 'Turning', it is partly inspired by the paintings of Turner, Classics and the works of Homer. But you don't have to be a scholar or an art expert to be able to enjoy and appreciate these clothes - you just need eyesight.

There's a snuggly cream wool coat with an Elizabethan collar, an all-enveloping shiny quilted satin coat and a swing coat which looks like the print has been painted on to the back. Plastic tunics with muted landscapes, appear alongside metallic skirts and dresses in gold and bronze.

The predominant print is a version of Turner's palette and a bit like the old BBC test card and through a series of garments from wee bandeau dresses, mini skirts, a dress with matching scarf and a balloon coat, gradually gets brighter and bolder. Classic Greek references are digitised and this is where B&B ultimately shine, when they experiment with history and technology. The ASCII prints dress looks like an optical illusion and the embroidered jackets are like 21st century armour.

With a series of hats like waves by Stephen Jones, this was an outstanding collection and when Barry Manilow's 'Could It Be Magic?' ended the show I think most of us agreed, it's magic alright.

Words: Marian Buckley
Photos: David Jones

fuk.co.uk went backstage at Basso & Brooke for a close-up look at the collection and interviews with the designers and key members of their team. Watch the Video Report