Jena. Theo AW11 Collection at London Fashion Week

From the floaty pastel hues of their Indian inspired SS11 collection, designer duo Jenny Holmes and Dimitris Theocharidis go dark and grungy in their AW11 collection looking towards Norse mythology for their

inspiration.

Titled ‘Valkyre’ after those celestial females who decide who will die in the field of battle, the models wear their long tousled  hair with just the front strands tied back to reveal the black war paint worn as a mask around their eyes. Touches of leather appear as plaited braids and patches on some of the garments giving the illusion these warrior women have been busy making their own clothes in the traditional Viking way. This more so on the high heeled shoes covered in curled edged patches of brown leather.

However these warriors have the luxury fabrics on hand with cashmere sweats, silk modal jerseys and sand washed silk satins with touches of soft baby alpaca wool hand knits.

It’s all about layers......

......and loosely woven oversized knits,

with the main colour palette being sombre hues of black, charcoal grey,

lightened with the natural neutral shades of ecru.

Denim reappears from last season but this time ranging from a pale treated washed look to the darker blacks and greys, with light jersey semi ruched leggings in denim look prints.

Key pieces were, the brown and black silk dress made of shorts with a long billowing trail and leather patchwork tight sleeves;

and the oversized faded black padded coat with exaggerated shoulders but fitting snugly around the knees.