Amanda Wakeley Autumn Winter 2010 There is a certain aura about an Amanda Wakeley show. These clothes are not just conceptually beautiful, but as you revel in admiration of the exquisite creations, you see these are pieces that women really want to wear. Her Autumn/Winter 2010 collection was no different. After receiving an OBE in the week prior to the show, Wakeley describes this season as ‘more about a feeling’, and opening to dulcet, melodic tones, this feeling was one of polished elegance and loose luxury. The Wakeley winter woman is certainly one that is prepared for the colder climes, enveloped in practical tweeds detailed with black piping, cocooned in cashmere capes and finally finished off with a layer of soft leather. These pieces were all tenaciously timeless and as outerwear were the perfect winter warmers to cover the multitude of dresses, in draped jersey, flowing printed chiffon and shimmering silk. The feeling of elegance was further refined by the inoffensive choice of colour – black, ‘midnight, smoke, powder’ and nude – which meant the pieces were understated in their sophistication, but for that reason could easily be slotted into any fashionista’s eclectic wardrobe. The investment-worthy items also extended to more obvious points of luxury with ‘event’ dresses – dark grey, Grecian gowns with plaited details, and sequinned, one-shouldered, cocktail dresses in nude – all of which were still practically paired with thick ribbed tights in black and grey. Fur capes and collars provided extra opulence in insulation. The presentation of both of these looks showed that outfits could be simply refined, with dresses that could hold their own as single pieces, but also sumptuously layered. All in all, Wakeley provided a capsule wardrobe for the real woman with this collection - elements of workwear in the tailoring, copious layers of functional outerwear, as well as both cocktail and floor-length evening gowns – to see you through any outfit need. Combined with equally elegant soft suede shoe-boots and the powerful patent cuffs, this season Wakeley left no fashion stone unturned. Annie Chin