Berubé fuk@lfw s/s 07

This is Julie Berubé's fourth London Fashion Week showing and despite a fairly early start on a day when everyone is feeling the Fashion Week strain, it was a well-attended and upbeat show.

Berubé is an accomplished pattern-cutter who's forging a following for her urban womenswear which - surprising as Julie was brought up in Canada - feels very London.

Berubé's spring summer 07 woman isn't lolling about on beaches topping up her tan. She's out, she's about and she is a real working, walking, living human being. And although we've seen this in past seasons, spring/summer 07 is a perfectly-formed collection with so many stand-out pieces we salivated over. Namely: textured cotton wrapover cardigan jackets in cobalt blue and wheaty biege, tailored blouses and puffball skirts - which sound horrible but Berbue-style they look like classics and the shape was explored throughout the collection.

We love the flamenco white shirts with folds and the bruised-looking leather halterneck waistcoats and skirts. Berubé bags are core sellers and alongside the clasic oversized Berubé holdalls, there are smaller bag versions for next spring and little leather bows appear in blouses.

There are a variety of influences cited, including 1940s designer Claire McCardell and birds (which inform the shapes throughout) but as the designer told us, this collection is made with her own self in mind. Berubé has a wealth of experience in other areas (including writing and working in the theatre), has studied marketing and is shrewdly developing her business online. The spring/summer 07 collection should secure many more admirers and customers.

Words: Marian Buckley
Photos: David Jones

www.berube.co.uk