A collection of elegant yet sexy gowns and cocktail dresses were on display at the Il Bottacio. Ashley Isham accessorized the looks of his show with crowns, flower headdresses and veils – adding to the regal nature of the clothes and underlining Rococo period inspiration. The skirts and cocktail dresses were short, sexy and sharply cut, embellished with sequins and appliqué flowers. Most notable were the instances where Isham used laser-cut embossed foiled napa leather with a sheer material to create an almost tattoo-like effect, a theme that was mirrored in the styling as models sported gold tattoos in the middle of their foreheads. As much as the collection provided glamorous solutions for a modern girl, one couldn’t help but feel that Isham was inspired by a vision of an ethereal tribal princess.

The rest of the collection consisted of flowing crepe jersey dresses in jewel tones of citrine, amethyst, sapphire and tourmaline with gold and silver. The opulent colour palette leant itself to the Grecian-style cut of the pieces and reinforced Isham’s overriding themes.

In an unexpected finale, five models appeared together in short white dresses, each accented by a different colour embellishment. As they strode down the runway, a burst of metallic gold ticker tape exploded from a cannon over their heads, inciting the audience to jump and gasp in pleasant surprise.

This collection further cements Ashley Isham’s reputation for show-stopping glamour. Though the average woman wearing one of these dresses will probably not be as gilded as the models were on Friday, she will certainly be just as striking.