Paul SmithPaul Smith's show was short and to the point, a collection in two halves, connected by the poplin shirt. On one side were the boys-for-girls combos Smith does so well and is really known for: shrunken blazer, shirt and short trousers worn with colourful loafers. And on the other were wrapped or waisted full-skirted shirt-dresses shown with a chunky, higher heel. They both worked in a soft, relaxed and easy way. The palette - sunflower teamed with grey and peach or tangerine, plus brick-red accessories - kept it feminine. Smith explored familiar territories also traversed in his recent men's collection, including a play on smoking, in which he paired leopard-print pony-skin loafers with pyjama pants or cream wool trousers with grosgrain ribbon running down the side. It was just 35 looks in all, short but most definitely sweet.
NV