Laura Lees Label fuk@lfw s/s 07

Last season, Laura Lees label treated us to a breakfast presentation of her Las Vegas collection. This LFW we were delighted to be able to enjoy a full-on Laura experience - and everyone in attendance inclduding the models - really loved this collection and show.

Laura's been developing her trademark embroidered garments for the past few seasons and in this collection there's plenty to discover. Imagine you are in the southern states of America living on a farm/ranch and are totally up for a good time. Laura's ladeez aren't shrinking violets, they're the first to the bar and first on the dancefloor.

Dresses are central here and Laura's worked with womenswear designer Donna Kernan, from Donna De Frank, to create a series of lightweight printed sundresses with embroidered details on the hem and unusual embroidery placements. There's a stunning cape coat with butterfly embellishments and dresses whose backs have been given the Laura tassel treatment. "I would have had this whole place covered in leather flowers if I'd been able", she told us later. And that's Laura's gift and obsession - she is a turbo-charged demon stitcher and the passion she feels for her craft is evident all over this collection.

Highlights include tight-fitted embroidered jeans, super-skinny white jeans teamed with a stunning skull corset, a variety of belts - native America Indian-style, flower and musical versions as well those adorned with even more tassels. Alongside reworked checked shirts, floaty chiffon frocks and speckled shorts and hand embroidered leather dresses, Laura pays sartorial homage to the first lady of Country music - Dolly Parton. To the sound of '9 to 5' we saw Dolly's face on jackets, tops and dresses. Sounds weird - looks wicked.

Words: Marian Buckley
Photos: David Jones