Jaeger London proves it’s still got it (February 2009)

I was intrigued to see Jaeger London’s AW 09/10 collection when I read that the inspiration behind it was the work of Was it in the fluid lines? The muted colour ways? The out-of-focus abstract prints of shattered glass? I didn’t know. my favourite photographer, Sarah Moon, and spent the show trying to identify it in the clothes.But what it did strike me as was a cohesive collection where one look blended artfully into the next.

There was a boxy, geometrical feel to many designs, with cropped jackets, truncated sleeves, thick stripes and polka dots.

But this art deco inspired linearity was undermined by a distinct femininity in the use of soft fabrics, a lacelike motif, sparkling Swarovski crystals and giant fur boleros mounted sumptuously on small shoulders.

This was a classy, understated show with moments of supreme glamour. Just as well, as seated front row next to Erin O’Connor was none other than original supermodel Carmen dell’Orefice, surely harking her mind back 50 years to the day she was photographed by legendary Norman Parkinson for a Jaeger campaign…