(Cover) - EN Fashion - Elle Macpherson, Janice Dickinson, Michelle Williams, Olivia Palermo and Amber Rose were among the stars to attend Julien Macdonalds London Fashion Week show yesterday.
The Welsh designer unveiled his Spring/Summer 11 looks at the 17th century Banqueting House in Whitehall. He explained women are now more interested in looking like celebrities than models, which was the theme of his show.
There are no supermodels anymore, he said. My inspiration was very English, very dreamy, very romantic. The girls have gone to the beach, youve got the English deckchair print, then I decided to take them to Hollywood and I made them ultra glamorous, ultra sexy. I want women to look sexy, I hate boring.
He explained his collection was themed around the British seaside, with models wearing a collection of floaty, feminine pieces. Dresses came in nude, blush and black, while babydolls boasted silk trains and lace decorations.
Hair was backcombed into a Bridget Bardot-inspired look, and blazers were striped to look like deckchairs. Chiffon blouses were teamed with miniscule shorts, while skirts had frills and several layers of fabric to add movement.
Elle, who judges television show Britains Next Top Model with Julien, said she was extremely proud of him.
Its beautiful, sexy, and like nothing we see back in America, added former Destinys Child singer Michelle.
Dame Vivienne Westwoods Red Label also showed yesterday, and the collection stunned with its variety. Floral dresses came down the runway followed by models in bondage boots and torn leggings. Evening dresses had built in bras to enhance cleavage, while a structured jacket was teamed with the tiniest of hotpants.
Pamela Anderson, who has modelled for Westwood in the past, was thrilled with the range. I just think her work is very beautiful, she said. I love all the short stuff, and the bags. Everything she does is gorgeous, she knows how to dress a woman, that's for sure. I'd rather wear nothing, or Vivienne. She knows how to work it all in.
Other designers to show over the weekend included Matthew Williamson, Richard Nicoll and Henry Holland. Mark Fast, Christopher Kane and Paul Smith will all debut today.
On Saturday, legendary designer John Galliano unveiled the winner of this years Fashion Fringe prize. The award is given to new designers who are deemed to have great potential, with William Tempest, Erdem and Basso & Brooke previous winners. The three finalists, Alice Palmer, Jade Kang and Corrie Nielsen all showed collections, before Corrie was announced as the winner. Nielsens collection was inspired by the 18th century.
London is and remains the heart beat, the original and the romantic, and we must always nurture and support all the raw talent. I think the designers showing here today at Fashion Fringe make tomorrow look very exciting, Galliano said.
American designer Nielsen trained at the prestigious Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design and has worked with Vivienne Westwood. (C) Cover Media