LFW – Ashley Isham AW 2012 collection

As the lights dimmed at Goldsmith’s Hall, dramatic string music filled the audience with excitement as a first combination of leather and lace revealed a brand new fashion story.

Inspired by ‘the city girl’, with an added love for clean cut lines made Isham’s A/W 2012 a ‘smart yet urban’ look.  With slick curled under and combed back hair by Helen Timofti and Vanessa Essack, models were a picture of heaven in host tailored materials including velvet in shades of bronze and black as well as a signature appearance resembling ‘draped liquid jersey’. Cropped leather jackets with sharp leather collars, matching high waisted skirts and a host of blazers were all on the bill for the smart but living life on the edge look. A simply gorgeous hooded lace dress with an additional attached shawl was also something else. A multitude of colours and prints developed as the collection wowed the audience, with bold blues, jades, pinks and gold’s shone through the oriental style floral and snakelike print pieces.

The designs then moved into a selection of eveningwear fit for a queen.  Drapes, centrepieces and one-shoulder designs were all sleek and stunning transforming day to night wear with simple structures. Key pieces were a black sequin skirt, a whole array of sequined armless dresses and a fantastic layered black leather cape.

The final walk through captivated onlookers to the tune of The Verve’s, Bitter Sweet Symphony, to conclude a rich and beautiful collection for next season.

Kellie Griffiths

Photos: Sara Reverberi