The autumn/winter 2012 collections at London Fashion Week have been driven by colour. No longer does winter mean subdued hues as designers seem more determined to make us stand out in the cold with bright and bold looks. Spijkers en Spijkers launched into AW with a ‘Birds of Paradise’ collection, a reference to eccentric and colourful people. Their muse was Edie Bovier Beale, daughter of American high society parents, a gorgeous socialite of the 1930s who became known for her eccentric style. In homage to 1920’s and 30’s dress, silks and satins were the dominating fabrics in this collection. Focusing on sharp tailoring and cut, models donned simple re-workings of suits, dresses and skirts that evocated a period of storied glamour. The exoticism of the ‘Birds of Paradise’ came through the ostrich and bird feather trimmings on the shoulders and hems of dresses. We were reminded of warmer climates through the Ceylon yellow, bordeaux, lime green and mulberry purple that appeared in varying tones across the collection.

The Dutch twin designers contrasted fine silk dresses against dramatic fur coats for a real 20s feel. Designing for the modern woman who is confident and active, the dresses with graphic detailing merged glamour with comfort. Spijkers en Spijkers designed looks for the workingwoman who understands style and likes quirky details. There was nothing outrageous about this collection, but it did offer the warmth nostalgic of 1920s style through luxury silks and bird feather trimmings.