Has LFW lost its spirit of fun? There is so much hard-hitting business, so many slick shows and corporate parties, so much A-list celebrity preening going on, that it's all beginning to look a lot like New York. Ironic then, that it takes an Italian brand to remind this town of its roots, which is exactly what Moschino Cheap And Chic did today with its new collection for Spring.
Moschino transplanted its younger brand Cheap And Chic here a few seasons ago because it felt that London was the perfect city to express its DNA. This season, instead of a show, the label shot its lookbook in an East End warehouse. But runway or not, the upbeat mood remains. The story was "Barbie goes to Miami Basel"—land of pool parties and cocktail soirées. Flamingos abounded: embroidered on white wide-legged trousers and on easy denim chambray looks. Some fun flippy silk jersey dresses in palm tree prints continued the party theme, but that doesn't mean Moschino abandoned its tailoring roots. There they were in a sturdy yet sweet pink plaid jacket with a scallop trim, and another with a chunky crystal neckline detail. Many of the looks had feather detailing. "We are trying to bring something fun and fresh into the hard times that we are living in," said creative director Francesca Rubino. "That's not a bad thing, is it?" As usual with Moschino, the accessories stood out. Hilarious handbags came in the shape of cocktail glasses and giant—yes—flamingos. Another was emblazoned with the word PARTY in bubble gum pink.
