"IF HANDSOME HATS MAKE HAPPY HEADS, THEN LONDON TRULY IS THE HOME OF HEADONISM":

A real highlight of the week for me was the Headonism exhibiton which was curated by Stephen Jones to celebrate the new wave of London milliners. I've always been fascinated by the extravagence of millinery, and was certainly in hat-heaven with this impressive display.

The main display, love the props and styling- grand decadence restricted to a monochrome palette and playing with scale - creates an appropriately surreal setting for the wierd and wonderful headpieces.

Soren Bach - Danish milliner who worked as a hairdresser for 20 yeras before turning his scissor wielding hands to hats and has been called the millinery equivalent of Vidal Sassoon.

My favourite of all the features milliners was Piers Atkinson, whose surreal SS10 collection is aptly entitled 'Sex on the Brain'. Brash neon Mickey Mouse ears, Barbie adorned bananas and glittered cherry nipple tassles; Atkinson's collection is fun and playful. Commenting on the collection he said "We're living in the era of the sound bite and the quick message - and my hats reflect that sense of instant familiarity, but hopefully with an unnerving edge."

Noel Stewart - his work attracts high-profile clientelle including pop princesses Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears and Beth Ditto. "Think Deauville elegance meets hard-edged Eighties glamour - all topped off with a Surrealist seafood garnish."

J. Smith Esquire created a heavily sea-inspired collection, combining beach debris such as rope, plywood, shells and string to create pieces that are simultaneously glamorous and dishevelled.

Little Shilpa's chaotic collection is sourced from flea markets and vintage stores across India. Her work 'encompasses the exuberance of modern India, where she has built a successful career as a stylist and art director.'

FRED BUTLER SS10: 'HIBISCUS RIDICULOUS'

Fred Butler was showcasing in New Gen but thought she deserved her own post...can't describe how much I love this collection!

NEW GEN:

Loved the New Gen exhibition, showcasing a load of up-and-coming designers selected by Topshop. The exhibition style itself was really clean and simple, the perfect backdrop for the eccentric and colourful collections.

Absolutely adore the woman-sized hangers created by this designer (name of TBC) Really eye-catching and innovative, unfortunately was definately the best thing about the collection...!

Louise Gray also created some interesting wire hanger 'people' with faces an' all...

LOUISE AMSTRUP:

Louise Amstrup's presentation was AMAZING! The collection is beautiful, an understated colour palette and an ongoing print inspired by a reflection in a shattered mirror. Hence, all the mirrors - huge, tiny, distorting - all places at different angles so that the floor almost becomes the ceiling. Very impressive and inspiring....
Plus, Louise is now retailing on ASOS so good news all round!

CO-OPERATIVE DESIGNS:

OK, so been on holiday and then sans internet for a week, so excuse the delay but I shall resume fashion week reporting!

Co-Operative Designs, one of Cube's clients, did a presentation of their new collection. Their SS10 stuff is heavily influenced by Bauhaus, and this was appropriately conveyed through their exhibition style, as they used large simple shapes as props and display units.

There was a strong Alice in Wonderland theme, with the giant chequer-board floor, 'eat me' cupcakes and oversized props. Even the liquorice allsorts matched the collection!

The highlight for me was the jewellery, designed by Corrie Williamson, who Co-Operative have collaborated with for many seasons. The combination of perspex and wooden strong, simple shapes created an array of statement jewellery that perfectly complemented the collection.