Alice McCall fuk@lfw s/s 07

It was all hands on deck for Alice McCall's show with models sauntering in sailor-themed stripes and big brass buttons. We saw a diverse range of garments, none of which would look out of place on the promenade in the French Riviera.

Legs are the focus here with skirts short and shorts shorter. Micro minis are teamed with ruched chiffon blouses with high necks and billowing sleeves. Casual fabric is used throughout, including denim and jersey, leaving even the curve-clinging dresses looking easy to wear.

Most pieces keep a streamlined look with simple accents of girlish detailing. Alice had kindly left us a poem to ponder whilst waiting for the show and a verse reads 'Silk cotton voiles and twills, ruffles, pleating top-stitching and frills'. The most successful elements are delicate pleats worked into hemlines and subtle lace panel cut outs.

Though the palette begins with navy and yellow, bold statements of colour and pattern are soon introduced. Lilac chiffon is teamed with denim high-waisted hotpants and although this show is inspired by Alice's past childhood, a particularly futuristic print is included on a couple of tube dresses - a cacophony of neon squares reminiscent of computer data.

Though garments vary wildly from each other, it all seems to fit when put together. The more daring experiments with pattern and print compliment the simpler outfits and keep the collection as a whole more versatile.

Words: Selene Pearson
Photos: Judith Erwes