Royal Ascot Fashion Show 2011 - Amanda Wakeley

Used to queuing for hours and scrambling my way for a good seat in to fashion shows, the Royal Ascot fashion show was a breath of fresh air. Here it was oh so civilised with a glass of champagne handed to you as soon as you walked in to the Bessborough restaurant and attentive waiters always ready to replenish your glass. In fact one lovely waiter came over with a bottle in an ice bucket. And no problem with seats. (sigh) I could get so used to this.

First on the catwalk (well circular podiums scattered around the dining tables) was:

AMANDA WAKELEY

Taking inspiration loosely from tribal ceremonial dress, here we see  bright corals amongst the cooler  shades of oatmeal, white, ink and cobalt and the warmer desert shaded neutrals of caramel, sand, mocha and cocoa.

Metal bead embellishments  form of tight skeletal seaming and collars with looser cascading chain threads.

Fabrics used are flowing silk batiks, sand washed silks contrasting with crisp cottons, broken tweed and perforated leather.

White washed silk cady side drape maxi dress worn with Maria Francesca Pepe plate necklace and cuffs.

Cocoa silk cady strapless maxi dress with folded neckline and side drape detail. Worn here with black saddle leather corset belt

Asymmetrical  mocha scuba bandaged detailed body and jersey draped skirt with black grain leather double strap hip belt

Cobalt block print kaftan style maxi dress in silk chiffon with blouson sleeves . Worn with brown grain leather double strap hip belt.

Cobalt block print blouson dress with batwing sleeves and ruched scoop neckline. Shown here with brown grain leather double strap hip belt.

 Ink fluid draped maxi dress with beaded details at the waists

Nickel vintage jersey one shoulder side drape short dress worn with black grain leather double strap hip belt

Draped chain top with skeletal centre front and back and mocha satin slip. Worn with mocha silk draped pants with ankle ties.

Coral blouson top, and coral silk draped pants with ankle ties. Worn with mocha grain leather belt.

Mocha chain necklace detail maxi dress. Dress is backless with central beaded detail.

Mocha draped and spinal beaded dress – inspired by tribal dress

Coral draped and beaded halterneck maxi dress with central beaded detail at front and back.

Draped beaded chain dress with mocha satin slip

Mocha draped chain maxi dress