Preen S/S 09

As fresh and modern as Preen’s S/S 09 collection was, probably the most precious thing Thea Bregazzi and Justin Thornton produce this season is the baby they’re expecting in three weeks. So with Thea at home, Justin braved the New York catwalks to deliver a collection that used ethnic and 60s' influences (African tribes painting their faces and ‘Easy Rider’ respectively) in a totally contemporary way. Using a palette of mostly nudes and whites, with a dash of vibrant red thrown in, Preen sent out dresses with intricate mesh insets that played with transparency, great slouchy variations on denim, and sculptural, perfectly tiered and ruffled dresses that pumped up the volume. Backstage, asked if pregnancy affected the way Thea designed, Justin replied, “I don’t think she even knew she was when we started the collection!” As for the sexy, New York vibe of the collection Justin deferred, “I dunno, maybe but it’s not a conscious thing.” Despite the cheers that rang out after the models walked back, there was no obligatory post-show wave from Justin. A case of nerves about flying solo perhaps? “No. I was very happy. It’s just very strange. It would have been disloyal like I was trying to hog all the glory.”