Aquascutum fuk@lfw a/w 06

Michael Herz and Graeme Fidler have headed the design team at Aquascutum for three seasons now. And what a duo they are. Thanks to their vision, this once fading label has now been revamped. Their show is currently a huge draw on the LFW circuit, attracting fashion royalty such as ice queen Anna Wintour (who was spotted on the front row).

To say this collection is comprehensive would be an understatement. Perhaps Herz and Fidler's recent wave of success has prompted them to work even harder than usual. Kicking off with a monochrome collection offset with grey, the duo showcased a selection of desirable classics with a twist. A double-breasted black coat came with an obi belt whilst a quintessential trench coat was cutaway at the neckline to reveal a crisp white shirt underneath. Thus creating a hybrid; coat meets dress. The classic Aquascutum trench coat also makes an appearance next season, this time in stone beige - in the show it was worn with tapered black trousers. Elsewhere it was re-worked into a mini cropped and belted, number with a frilled collar.

The most memorable pieces for us, are the ones that strayed from the signature Aquascutum style. A brocade frock coat for example, is emblazoned with prints of red lips. Particularly sweet are the acid yellow tulip-shaped coats with 1960's style oversized buttons. Whilst trapeze-line babydoll dresses livened up the catwalk in hues of mint green and mustard. Two-tone swinging frockcoats (black cotton on the top with silver quilting on the bottom) worn with sexy pencil skirts add a glamorous twist to outerwear for a rainy day. Keep up the good work boys!

www.aquascutum.co.uk

Words: Bianca Donnelly. Photos: David Jones.