Unconditional fuk@lfw s/s 07

Next to the notes on our show itinerary, the powers that be at fuk HQ had written, in bold type, WILL BE GOOD SHOW DO NOT MISS ON PAIN OF DEATH. They weren't wrong and we're not just saying that to curry favour either.

This was a long show but despite the seemingly endless stream of outfits, the ideas kept coming fresh and fast, and, being ostensibly a womenswear showcase, there was plenty for the ladies in the audience to like: little metallic bomber jackets, ballet tops cut high at the back, pretty dresses and simple T-shirts sporting trompe l'oeil tuxedo prints.

Being in the business of looking for something a bit different, however, it was the menswear that caught our eye. Using a predominantly grey palette - who knew it came in so many hues - designer Philip Stephens sent out a range that includes long, chunky-knit cardis fastened with enormous silver poppers, fine boat-necked jumpers, and a skinny-boy bleached denim outfit of snug jacket and ankle-skimming jeans.

White plimsoles were the footwear du jour, looking particularly fly as part of a string vest and baggy trousers combo, and voluminous harem pants will afford adventurous chaps the opportunity to push sartorial boundaries come ss07. As will the vivid lilac macs and his'n'hers fitted charcoal suits worn with satin plunge neck blouses.

The Unconditional motif - a pair of up-turned wings - makes several subtle appearances: as a perspex pendant on a bare chested male model and as a tiny pair of feathered wings attached to the back of a hoodie so cute even the bouncers at Bluewater will give it the thumbs up.

As the show closed, the sound of someone glugging a drink was piped through the soundsystem. Fully quenched, the sated voiceover artist breathed a satisfied 'Aahhh'. It was a fitting end to a very pleasing show.

Words: Maia Adams
Photos: David Jones