Sunday 20/09/09 180 The Strand      sponsored by On/Off

With a background working for designers Roland Mouret, Jonathan Saunders and Erdem it was hard to anticipate  what direction Smith’s debut collection would take adding to this Smith has created one off pieces for Alison Goldfrapp and Beth Ditto.

The collection took reference from the Op Art movement of the 1960′s and  surprisingly refined sophisticated shapes came down the catwalk in a riot of colour. Encapsulating a fresh balance between the new fashion youth and  women who lunch, fabrics were a interesting mix of linen and P.V.C cut in flattering vertical and horizontal panels and grid like embellishment. Everything was incredibly cut and precise set off with bright coloured zips up the spine or down a jacket. Blocked half skull P.V.C  caps by Noel Stewart topped of the shiny lollipop selection of  colours. As  a first outing what is most striking is Smith’s very clear fashion statement, a risky mix of fabrics and colour but all put together with confidence offering an uplifting, humorous but desirable collection. New power dressing for 2010.