On first viewing you wouldn't think Phoebe Philo's Celine show was inspired by car interiors.
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Or assume the Celine girl had much of a motoring interest besides having an amenable driver.
Philo's strict lines, razor-sharp leather cutting and stiff shapes were all present, not so much a signature now as a blueprint for the brand. But the wood-grain print fabric used on boxy t-shirt tops, skirts and trousers was inspired by a dashboard, the fur collars reminiscent of seat covers (more luxe Rolls than Morris Minors...).
We saw trickier to wear shapes than we have done; round-shoulders on coats with cardboard-like structured backs. These will prove harder for the high-street to copy, a necessary addition when a significant number in attendance are wearing the Zara copy of her leather-sleeved coat.
A roll-neck worn under jockey-meets-Sunday-Driver v-neck sweaters herald a new way of interpreting the boy/girl aesthetic she is known for. And those leather strip tuxedo trousers are surely high on the pre-order list this season. With its more directional shapes and fabrics, this will grab the attention of the few remaining who hadn't already fallen for its charm.
