LONDON - Candy-coloured silk crepe dresses for winter? Why not, asks designer Jasper Conran.
Conran, one of dozens displaying their Autumn/Winter 2010 collections at London Fashion Week, kicked off his show Sunday with ballooning capes and dresses in thick wool and flannel worn over bodysuits.
His dramatic spherical coats and bodices were inspired by the work of British sculptors Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, while details like space-age mirrored sequins and geometric cutouts were a modern take on the playful shapes and styles of the 60s.
Dark sheer tulle dresses were adorned with PVC panels, geometric sequins and huge polished silver cuffs.
Unlike some other London shows that stuck to a limited colour palette, Conran's black and greys contrasted with imposing cardinal red, a bold orange and peacock blue.
Even with softer styles, the designer focused on big, voluptuous silhouettes - like a nude textured organza dress with a billowing back resembling insect wings. "Peep show" A-line shift dresses had rectangular sheer panels cut out whimsically at the waist, thigh and arch of the back.
The show closed with a splash of colour and light, fluid fabrics that contrasted with the severity of the earlier pieces. Summery silk crepe dresses appeared in eye-popping fuchsia, canary yellow and tangerine, just right to lift the winter mood.
