Landmark show gets party season started at Jenners

Published on Thursday 6 November 2008 08:42

AS the lights went down in the grand hall and the chatter and clinking of champagne flutes turned to silence, the atmosphere was suddenly tense. Eager faces – from shoppers, Edinburgh personalities such as Grant Stott, Arlene Stewart and Boogie, through to national style experts from Grazia and Heat – turned to the catwalk as the music blared out. The long-awaited Jenners fashion show had begun.

To mark the iconic store's 170th anniversary and the recent 3.5 million revamp, Jenners hosted its first ever professional fashion show, by John Davidson. And brimming with wearing clothes in this season's colours, textures and fabrics, it was a fashion-lover's dream.

There were 12 themes and a staggering 80 outfits on display, giving guests a look at what is hot for winter. Elegant silk ruffle dresses, Georgette sheathes, wool military trench coats, dramatic tuxedo dresses, designer-inspired tulip skirts, crisp suits, capes, high-waisted jeans and jump suits jostled for attention. And there was look after look for the boys which took homage from the catwalks at London Fashion Week.

With the party season just around the corner, it's clear that this year it's all about high glamour. Jewel colours in satins and dramatic black silk silhouettes make for party wear where girls are girls. Hemlines are short, silhouettes are playful and accessories are bold – whatever you do, make sure heels are made to be noticed.

"This season it's all about making sure the dress does the talking," says Edinburgh stylist, Laura Wilton. "If they're not black, colours are bold and on bold designs, too. The result is a statement dress, so confidence is key.

"If donning a dress just doesn't appeal, then there's a wide range of vibrant evening tops which can be paired with tailored jeans, a pencil skirt or even wide-legged silk trousers, which are just in at Warehouse. There's a bit of 80s glamour fused with the gothic movement and even urban elegance and it's not the season for wallflowers."

And, when it comes to the morning after the night before, fashions are still glamorous.

"Capes, military coats, long chunky knits and layering are all key items for winter casualwear," says Laura.

And the fashion show demonstrated just that – as well as how to wear it and where to get it. Models sauntered down the catwalk in chunky knits teamed with leather-effect leggings, tight leather jackets contrasted with loose-fit jeans, cocoon-style coats worn with skinny jeans, and pencil skirts worn with flats and roll-neck tops.

"It's refreshing to be able to show just what high street labels and more affordable brands can offer," says John Davidson. "You can get the same look – and without breaking the bank."