Nicola de Main

For her second outing at the increasingly influential Vauxhall Fashion Scout, Nicola de Main gave us a collection of cute shift dresses and feminine robes in satins, crepes and velour. Simple in silhouette, design flourishes – such as pretty ruffles and oversized Peter Pan collars – are predominantly confined to the hem and neck. Adding to the kooky feel were the models' heavy-framed specs, bright pink lips and bushy backcombed hair held in place with satin headbands knotted into bows over the face.

What sets this collection apart from similar offerings this week, however, are the fruits of de Main's ongoing collaboration with print designer, James Millar, which this season resulted in a beautiful collage of vivid jungle flowers and silhouetted birds in flight against a burnt orange skyline. Sophisticated, beautiful and slightly apocalyptic, the print adds a darker element that saves the collection form straying too far into girly territory.

After this week fuk.co.uk intends to take a well-earned rest! We're already compiling our wishlist of lounging attire for the duration and we can confirm that one of de Main's printed floor length robes is well and truly on it.

Words: Maia Adams
Photos: Ian Gillett