Craig Lawrence's London Fashion Week salon show is always a seasonal highlight for TTR, and this season was no exception. With his A/W 12 collection Lawrence continuing his one man crusade to inject a dose of high octane sex into the perhaps otherwise not-quite-as-white-hot world of knitwear. With a volcanic, earthy colour pallette and sheer form fitting knits, the models were dripping with bronzed decadence. The tone was resolutely sultry with peekaboo panels of sheer gauze but Lawrence expertly mixed it up with playful crop tops, slouchy hoods and oversized polar-neck collars. This irreverent side was also explored through the pops of intense sparkle; breathtaking without being gaudy or too razzle-dazzle.

The multiple bare midriffs were perhaps a tad too bold given this is a winter collection (note to self, must layer up) but then compromising on fun and quirkiness has never been Lawrence's modus operandi. The micro crop-tops and knitted knickers will easily work over longer layers.

Emphasis was on texture, which is a given with knitwear, but it was executed with perfection, the oranges, umbers, rusts and golds highlighting the intricacy and beauty of the pieces. Silhouettes occasionally veered away form the usual long-n-lean with a few voluminous skirts swinging like prom dresses, but were otherwise bodycon and figure hugging. The final look; a show-stopping cocktail dress, was sexy and glamourous, with a Lawrence twist. With a hint of the luxury of Gucci SS12 and experimental knitwear of signature Craig Lawrence styles, summed up a strong, mature and progressive collection. 

Posted on February 19, 2012 at 4:57:18 by Alice Nyong