London Autumn/Winter '08

Luella
Somewhere along the way between the local costume shop and the house of Luella, it became acceptable to publicly brandish an affinity with witchcraft. Unsurprisingly, this had more to do with Luella Bartley’s skilfully executed autumn collection rather than our love of idolatry. Think 1973 cult classic 'The Wicker Man', Morris dancers, oversexed pagan ritual garments, and the wicked witch.

Luring us in initially with oversized felt witch hats, pumpkin orange tights and moody gothic dresses cinched at the waist, Bartley expanded on a slightly melancholic theme and revived it with splashes of colour and romantic sheer fabrics.

Porcelain pink cocktail dresses juxtaposed with deep royal blue hues, shiny technicolour ribbons and pretty gingham prints all came together to bring a bewitching yet playful take on this season’s penchant for old-world Gothic.

Images: Catwalking.com