Designer A-Z

Margaret Howell

Spring/Summer 2010

By Melissa Dick

London’s current dazzling flamboyant and rather anarchic fashion scene is exciting, inspiring and all very well, but when it comes to great British summer clothes for grown ups – look no further than LFW veteran Margaret Howell.

1 of 29

/var/elleuk/storage/images/catwalk/collections/margaret-howell/spring-summer-2010/collection/howell-rs10-1824-margaret-howell-london-spring-summer-2010/3895080-1-eng-GB/howell-rs10-1824_CC.jpg iMAXTREE
/var/elleuk/storage/images/catwalk/collections/margaret-howell/spring-summer-2010/collection/howell-rs10-1812-margaret-howell-london-spring-summer-2010/3895073-1-eng-GB/howell-rs10-1812_CC.jpg iMAXTREE
/var/elleuk/storage/images/catwalk/collections/margaret-howell/spring-summer-2010/collection/howell-rs10-1795-margaret-howell-london-spring-summer-2010/3895066-1-eng-GB/howell-rs10-1795_CC.jpg iMAXTREE
/var/elleuk/storage/images/catwalk/collections/margaret-howell/spring-summer-2010/collection/howell-rs10-1783-margaret-howell-london-spring-summer-2010/3895059-1-eng-GB/howell-rs10-1783_CC.jpg iMAXTREE

For spring/summer 2010, Howell - who is often inspired by the 1930s, 40s or 50s - had reworked her house staples with an elegant 1930s seaside slant. Trademark big knickers came in cotton check with matching shirts, unlined lightweight trench coats were almost floor length, mannish shirts were tucked in - but unbuttoned to reveal black silk bikini bra tops - Breton tops came cropped and sporty and waterproof jackets had toggle fastenings. Striped shirts looked sun bleached giving them a relaxed, pyjama like feel – and straw hats, palazzo pants and muslin shirt dresses were all ready for the British seaside – come rain or shine.

Howell’s classic British style appeals to women of all ages who like to work the classic, androdynous look and, it seems, has won her a whole new generation of fashion fans. On her front row, Erin O Connor and Alexa Chung both rocked a Howell-esque boyish aesthetic – with Alexa mixing up her look like only London girls can, wearing black and white correspondent brogues and mannish shirt with skinny leather grunge leggings and a studded Miu Miu bucket bag.