Basso & Brooke fuk@lfw s/s 06

Entitled Vanity Affair, Basso and Brooke's show was just that - full on glitz, glamour and polish. As the first model stepped onto the ramp a 12 foot hairspray canister spritzed her with dry ice - from then on it was spectacle all the way.

A flamboyant collection to say the least, silk and jersey fabrics are covered in fanciful prints of every colour under the sun. Pretty tea dresses, 40s sheath dresses with satin jackets, kimono-style silk wrapover tops and printed leggings form the staples of a collection that shows a distinct evolution in wearability and maturity from last season's more challenging clothes.

The musical theme which informed much of the show was most evident in accessories that included keyboard belts, guitar and cello brooches and Steven Jones hats sporting trumpets and pages ripped from musical scores.

The soundtrack was played live by superstar Brazilian DJ Rafael who had been specially flown in from Brazil by the designer couple as had the majority of the 33 leggy models. "We only want the best," said Bruno Basso justifying the exorbitant L'Oreal backed cost of staging the show, "and that's exactly what we got. Money was no object." They certainly got what they paid for.

Words: Maia Adams. Photos: David Jones.