There was definitely a 50’s feeling about Jasper Conran’s collection for Spring/Summer 2011. The influence of the highly popular series Mad Men exuded from the nipped in waists, pretty cardigans and cropped trousers. The feminine silhouette was honoured by curve-creating outfits and deep and soft colours such as tangerine, peach and coral teamed with pistachio and pear greens.
The show started, like most collections this season, with austere shades and shapes, navy and white, timeless chic, very Le Touquet. Then progressively appeared the more traditional colours for spring and summer, and with them lighter fabrics and floaty dresses, layers of sheer fabrics in the most amazing and delicate shades and spaghetti-strapped sundresses.
Highlights, for me, included a sumptuous sleek dress with pistachio, light peach and chocolate stripes, and a peach/coral silk cardigan and dress combo that seemed so airy and luminous it made you feel you can’t wait for next summer to come.
The collection was accessorised by Stephen Jones hats, which were the final and perfect touch to this retro-seaside nostalgia, with sheer mesh declined from large beach-style hats to small cloches. The extremely simple white canvas slip-on shoes added even more freshness to the outfits, like a twist of innocence.
In short, a very refreshing collection, like a perfect afternoon on the seaside.
Laurie Guillem