The latest big event in the fashion field was the British Leading Edge Fashion Show in Shanghai, featuring iconic designer Vivienne Westwood.
Westwood's career was founded on Punk and her fashions have scandalized and fascinated the world ever since. She has never lost her power to shock and her continued innovations have made her one of the most talked about designers in the world. This time, she brought her spring/summer 2003 collection to the city.
Sensational new designer Scott Henshall featured various creations that have recently generated huge media interest, including his webbed dress. His collection combines luxury, whimsicality and wearability, all guided by his designer's instinct. "I have always wanted to design a collection that not only inspires but is product-led," he told the media.
The show also featured an Urban Edgy streetwear section, including pieces from up and coming designers Jason Steels, Mei Hui Liu and Dexter Wong. A Commercial Streetwear section featured Peter Golding, Ben Sherman and Y-London. Peter Golding is said to have created the first designer jeanswear collection in the world. Before 1978, women were wearing men's jeans. Peter invented the modern women's stretch denim jeans in 1978, revolutionizing women's profiles by fitting the jeans around feminine thighs and bottoms, combining style and comfort.
The show also included a Special Interest section featuring the fantastic handbag and shoe creations of Lulu Guiness, where high glamour meets feminine chic. In her new spring collection, which ranged from large tote bags to delicately embroidered evening bags, there was something for every occasion. Two new prints have been introduced to the ever-popular cosmetic range. The tile print is available in pistachio green or pink, while the summery garden trellis print comes in red and cream or black.
Two new bags have been added to the range, each part of a limited edition of 500. The first, a bag styled as an evening gown, is perfect for any aspiring Cinderella: an elegant bag made of black satin and encrusted with pearls. The sophisticated Peron bags echo the old age glamour of the 1950s. Available in black satin or frosted silks they add a touch of mid-century style to any aspiring scarlet.
(Shanghai Star November 8, 2002)