Ashish AW15

Initial reaction: 

Ashish Gupta rolled out a provocative collection of sexed-up but sporty silhouettes to the eerie soundtrack of iconic 1971 retro movie, Klute. His signature sequin embellishment took the form of super-sized camouflage parkas, lace-trimmed camisole dresses, low-slung culottes with contrasting faux-fur hems and slouchy bomber jackets. Elevated stonewashed denim also featured in the mix, cut into shift dresses, shrunken jackets and lace-up jeans that were punctuated with silver studs and rivets. Think fierce, flashbulb-inducing glamour.

Feminity and freedom: 

Klute’s female lead, Bree Daniels (played by acting veteran Jane Fonda) was the London-based designer’s muse this season. “I just loved her fierce attitude and sassy, cool sense of style in the movie, so that was my starting point,” he revealed, before adding: “I think women should have a right to dress the way they want and feel sultry and empowered – you could call these pieces a celebration of femininity and freedom. I’m pro ‘Free The Nipple’ – get your tits out if you want to!”

Pumped up parkas:

In addition to the covetable sweaters and fun, fluid joggers, Ashish expanded his repertoire for AW15 with a series of statement coats. “I thought, what’s the most magical coat that a woman could own? And I answered that question with the camouflage sequin and leopard-printed parkas that were on the catwalk today,” he said. “What more could you want in life? They’re strong, young and sexy enough to make anything look good,” he concluded.