It's been a long time since models took it as part of their job description to va-va-voom to the end of the runway, throw a pose and come on to the photographers in a "fabulous me" kind of way. So long, indeed, that the joy-starved London crowd was seized by a sudden gratitude to Julien Macdonald for putting on a show that included go-for-it girls, glitter, gold and, yes, glam rock.
In a take-no-prisoners collection, Macdonald referenced the '70s heyday of David Bowie and Jerry Hall in flashy embroidered jackets, leopard spots, shaggy fox furs, sexy knickers, jumpsuits and unbuttoned satin vests. Exaggerated Bowie quiffs, big teased hairdos and fuchsia lipstick turned up Macdonald's aesthetic to full volume, a message that will be heard loud and clear by women who also love Versace and Roberto Cavalli.
What's the difference for Macdonald between designing in London and at Givenchy in Paris? "I can be cheeky and sexy and take risks here," he said. "Paris is bourgeois; in London, it's more fun. I'm swinging back to the old days of David Bowie and Anita Pallenberg, when British celebrity ruled the world. I just wanted to show my respect for London by showing here."
