Guest Author - Vicky Talbot

The fashion chatter calms, the lights dim, the bright white catwalk illuminates and the show has begun. Confident models pony walk down the runway in shimmering silk, loose cut leather jackets and micro-mini, tailored shorts. On the opening weekend of arguably, the best London Fashion Week yet, I was lucky enough to attend British designer, Amanda Wakeley’s stunning collection showcase at the Natural History Museum. From start to finish the catwalk saw elegant cuts, soft shapes and ultra-glamorous, kimono-style dresses in shades of grey, peach and biscuit – all typical of Wakeley’s dedication to creating beautiful clothing for confident, sassy women.

The winner of three British Fashion Awards for Glamour, it’s no surprise that Wakeley’s Spring/Summer 2008 collection ticked all the boxes when it came to well-polished, feminine distinction. A wearable collection defined by creamy beige macs, voluminous kaftans and glorious full-length dresses in monochrome silk, the new range looks set to keep celebrity fans such as Mischa Barton and Sarah Michelle Gellar very happy indeed.

Self-taught, British designer Amanda Wakeley launched her label in 1990 and has built a reputation for satisfying glamorous London ladies, providing chic collections for women who are confident about their own sense of style. Attracting celebrity clients such as Scarlett Johansson (known for exercising her own individual, yet high-glamour sense of style), Wakeley offers a grown-up alternative to high fashion. Followers in the front row know there will be no garish neon shades, no daunting shapes, no crazy couture and certainly no gimmicks – just beautiful, designer clothing any confident woman can wear.

If you’re looking to work next season's ladylike chic, introduce a few Amanda Wakeley influences into your wardrobe, mixing ethereal fabrics with tidy tailoring. Ladies who love to look chic and sensual will love the Grecian dresses created out of layers of pure white fabric, pleated at the back in a princess-like train. Necklines are plunging, revealing a glimpse of torso and cleavage but silhouettes are balanced, loose and long, creating an elegant outline.

The key look for Spring ’08 casualwear from this collection was a mix of slouchy leather jackets with drawstring and zip detail combined and balanced with slick tailored shorts. The body-con trend also translates into Spring with this collection, offering sculpting white shifts that skim the body with striking, almost fetishist zip detail. Kaftans are sure to return next Spring too, put with an emphasis on delicate silky, graphic prints in a creamy palette featuring peaches, biscuit, beige, rose pink and black – perfect for those who want understated, elegant cover-up on the beach next season.

Fashion-forward femmes should also invest in a mac next season to take them through the April showers in style. Perfect for unpredictable spring weather; choose a lightweight, cool fabric and look for drawstring belts that cinch at the waist, creating a signature Wakeley silhouette that oozes poise, elegance and glamour. Choose subtle shades in chocolate, coffee and pink – next season these creamy pastels will undoubtedly be the new black.