caroline wall

It's the end of London Fashion Week in London February 2009 and all the designers have shown their collections for AW09/10. So what are the main trends that have come through on all the shows to predict what we will be wearing and interpreting in our own way?

I was fortunate to see three shows this year amidst the excitement of fashion week.

The John Rocha show was absolutely beautiful with exquisite use of gold and black jacquard fabrics, luxurious chiffons and wonderful shoulder detailing which proved to be a common theme throughout the week. Based upon Elizabeth I there were kidney shaped purses and head bonnets. Historical references were brought up to date through bursts of eye-popping coral, geranium red or gold. "I just keep doing what I do but try to bring it forward a bit," said Rocha

The Betty Jackson show was also an absolute winner. Colours of teal, caramel and lilac all combined in a multi coloured combination of different coloured tights/shoes/skirts. This certainly wasn't a display of matching but more about mix and match colour combinations to gain a stunning result. Again fabrics playing an important role in displaying beautifully structured felts and woollens. Wood-grain prints and jacquards were on display alongside charcoal colored trailing florals with flashes of brights.

Now at this show I do remember seeing a woman being photographed at the cafe area eating a cake. My first thoughts were, yum that Danish pastry looks good. They only usually have a few sunflower seeds to eat at these fashion gigs so where's that come from? Then I realised it must be something to do with all the recent campaigning in regards to size zero models only due to the camera being there. It didn't quite add up to me as I didn't think this lady looked either size zero or overweight. Until today it all made sense. Thanks to my sister who today asked me if I saw Kate Faithfull at the Betty Jackson show, who had dressed in a zip up fat suit. Read the full story here.

Go to Vogue.com to view all collections