Sartorial staples with a fresh stamp
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Margaret Howell devotees left this morning's show with plenty of sartorial fodder with which to pack their new-season wish lists.
To choral renditions of Pretty Woman and Crying, a utilitarian army of high-waisted, buttoned-up, beret-topped models took to the catwalk, each one wearing a look more versatile than the last. Of note was knitwear which, as we're seeing everywhere this season, was high-necked, layered in slouchy, fluid lines over midi-length pleated wool skirts, and trousers, grown-up and wide-legged. Dresses with short sleeves came layered over fine polo neck jumpers - another key trend to look out for come September.
Grey, black and shades of blue formed the bulk of the palette. Cream and brown made fleeting appearances, while a couple of breakout tomato red looks had the crowd - ELLE included - stampeding towards Instagram.
Howell's genius is in creating wearable clothes that make the everyday feel just that little bit more special. It's all in the details: a leather buckle at the hip of a skirt; a subtle gold foil print down the front of a crisp, white shirt. She knows this. She's delivered it again. And that's why we continue to love her.
