Michiko Koshino fuk@lfw s/s 06

Far be it from us to be cynical, but did the fact that Michiko Koshino has launched a large and lucrative advertising campaign for the first time in years have anything to do with the phenomenal turnout of magazine editors at this late evening show? Suspicions aside, this was a much more wearable collection than we have seen in some time from Koshino, who for the past couple of seasons has made her name with showstopping pieces that, whilst stunning on the catwalk, were not perhaps the first choice for a trip to Sainsburys.

There were of course the requisite garments made of little more than a few pieces of string, but this is a range replete with beautiful voluminous dresses and skirts, where multiple layers of gorgeously printed chiffon and muslin floated like clouds. Little cotton jackets, perfect for keeping out the spring chill, are fitted over long-sleeved blouses and linen trousers sporting large bag pockets are the embodiment of luxurious slouch.

Despite the overall neutral palette, there were well-judged touches of colour (which co-ordinated with the less well judged model's hairpieces) and the closing numbers included truly sumptuous fiery orange kaftans which, styled with Koshino's enoromous Indian bead earrings and vertiginous Terry de Havilland wedges, ensured the show was a winner. Perhaps it was just the clothes that got those powerful bums on seats after all.

Words: Maia Adams. Photos: David Jones.