Last week, against the glorious backdrop of the V&A Museum, the London College of Fashion’s MA students presented their final collections. It was less crazy Gaga stage gear – more considered fashion with a dash of perky. Jennifer Morris stood out. Her colours, textures and shapes were stunning, including this finale frock with its feathery-fur shoulder. Menswear designer Matteo Molinari was a well-deserved winner of collection of the year. The Briefing particularly loved his snug black crochet jacket. Photograph: PR
In the biz there is much talk of the maxi stripe: think Prada runway, and bulked-up, blockier stripes. This does not, however, render the classic Breton redundant. Hell no. But it does mean the stripe ante has been upped. This Cos red striped cotton T‑shirt number is just the ticket. It’s a Breton with pleats (FYI pleats are set to be big fashion news) crafted into a marvellous navy collar.
£25, cosstores.com Photograph: susan swindells/PR
Fashion week is fast approaching and it brings with it a thirst for new talent. Selfridges have given its Oxford Street windows to an army of fashion upstarts, whose gear they’re selling in the Bright Young Things pop-up shop. Jessica Dance does sets, props and accessories (Mulberry is a fan) and her woven hair necklaces (pictured) look set to do well. Other highlights: Lee Roach’s brand of minimalism, and knitwear whiz Frances Conteh’s geometric brights.
£150, selfridges.com Photograph: PR
When Cheryl Cole wore a David Koma dress on The X Factor – the black one with the big metal curves – there was a right hoo-hah. The young designer, one of London fashion week’s rising stars, has designed a limited collection for Topshop. Cue metal tube mini-dresses or a gorgeous one with leather – all crafted from super-luxe fabrics. Koma will be interviewed live at the Oxford Circus store on 22 February by Grazia editor-at-large Melanie Rickey.
£350, available 16 February, topshop.com Photograph: PR
Just look at this delicious wallop of orange – official colour: hibiscus. Is it not the fashion equivalent of a winter holiday? It is also a thoroughly well-organised piece of Smythson kit. Once inside this travel clutch you’ll find a removable set of compartments for tickets, passport, documents etc, and a zipped one. Hallelujah.
£435, smythson.com Photograph: PR
