Ive had the privilege of seeing a couple of Lisa Hos RAFW shows over the years, The first time I was blown away, the second time was a bit like the second time you see the Cirque de Soleil – unquestionably beautiful but never quite like the first.
My fear that wed be seeing yet more luxe maxi-sporting goddesses this year was unfounded. Instead Ho transported us to a beautifully groomed late 60s/early 70s Dolce Vita, inspired by her love of holidays in Capri.
So: lots of saturated colour drawn from those of the island itself: gorgeous bougainvillea pink, wisteria lilac, aqua, wineberry, risotto saffron and gelato chocolate. These were both colour blocked or worked back to signature Ho prints.
Perfect tailored pieces were worn with softer coordinates, like a sharp shouldered little blazer with softly flared print short shorts- the latter worn with glamorous (and covetable) high heeled sandals.
Cropped print pants with or without matching jackets; a soft yet pristine white shirt…gowns that know when to stop, mostly either long and plain or shorter and print.
Overall the collection is undeniably womanly rather than young-girlish. If youre no longer the springiest of spring chickens youd love to have any piece from this collection in your wardrobe; it will look super sharp and current now but youll also be pulling it out again years ahead.
NB: What is colour blocking? Colour blocking is juxtaposing plain colours. Its not monochromatic dressing. For example: a yellow jacket over a blue dress is colour blocking. A red dress with panels of turquoise and mint is colour blocked.
Words and photos by Julie Roulston using a Samsung SH1000