LFW: NICOLE FAHRI S/S 2010

Set in the glorious setting of the Royal Opera House, the fashion pack were out at full force eager to get their fix of what could be one of the best shows of the week.  Full to the brim with an audience reading like a who’s who in the fashion industry, everyone was wondering if Nicole Farhi could top last year’s success.

Celebrating the unexpected, Nicole Farhi showcased an aptitude for bold combinations of color and shape which culminated in a bright, colourful collection aimed at women with a confident attitude and a bright personality. An interesting mix of electro pop filled the room while equally fun garments came down the catwalk on the backs of some of the industry’s most celebrated models.

The palette, inspired by the German Expressionist watercolour artist Emile Nolde, focused on contrasting colours and combined a spontaneous combination of block and print. The show’s premiere look was an oversized lilac taffeta trench coat that revealed a contrasting chartreuse lining thrown effortlessly over a knitted aqua bandeau top, and cotton candy pink cotton shorts. The prints featured expert brush strokes, almost as if an artist ran out of canvas and painted straight onto the fabric instead.

Double-ended zip front coats, shirt dresses, drawstring jackets and wide-legged trousers emphasized a sporty influence. Laminated raffia and linen contributed to the sculptural features in the collection. Asymmetric hems, angular necklines, and heavy viscose dresses swayed freely over the body to give off a carefree, summery vibe.

Accessories amped up the playful side with hard geometric rings, and boldly coloured bangles. Plaited shoes with wooden heels and soft leather mismatched clutches completed the “at odds” quality Young, fresh and bursting with sartorial panache, Nicole Farhi pleased the fashion press with a collection that will undoubtedly make its way onto many buyers’ lists.

Images excerpted from The Fashion Spot forums.