Luella Bat-ley

Luella Bartley's Spring/Summer 08 collection held a particular library assistant geek-chic about it with plaid, cardigans and rounded collars reularly gracing the catwalk. High waists and skinny legs showed no signs of letting up, contrary to wide opinion (a welcome plea in my eyes) and last seasons laced up brogues also remained commonplace. Face masks made a playful appearance suggesting a new micro-trend on the cards and feminine frills, florals and pastel colours were often outlined with a thick black rim from hemlines to waistlines, to the oversized lens-less glasses. Spring/Summer 08 was all about feminine fantasy and cartoon lands matured with a hard edged quality made of blacks, PVC, lace and short hemlines. Tailoring also crossed over into the spring/summer collection from last season and dresses and skirts remained frilly and flirty with a hippie-esque flower-power essence to them. The 1970s certainly played a key role within the collection with high waists and flower power (the models wore their hair soft and wispy complete with flowers behind the occasional ear) providing reference to the era as did the Batman symbolism, with bat faces smothering skinny trousers, t-shirts, jackets and skirts. My advice for '08 is to get down to the disney store and grab a cartoon tee as fast as you can, before your too late.