Tiptoe through the tulips?
No way. Paul Smith, master of the exuberant runway bow, charged toward the photographers and leaped over one of the patches of fancy grasses and country flowers that dotted his spring runway.
The plants signaled the wholesome, earthy personality of this eclectic, if uneven collection. It hinged on loose and languid shapes; “rakish tailoring,” as the press notes trenchantly dubbed it, and floral prints galore. The latter ranged from garlands of daisies small enough to resemble polka dots to bold, hand-painted blooms on black silk dresses and bomber jackets.
Smith opened his show with a big tent-shaped raincoat with demonstrative, fluted sleeves — something of a mini trend in the British capital. They also looked terrific on plain tunics with a soft tie at the waist.
The long and languid dress is another popular item on London runways, and Smith’s were often sleeveless with V necklines and panels of floral decorations.
You May Also Like
Oversize gingham prints with puckered squares did not translate into flattering shirtdresses or tops. Trim, elongated jackets paired with jaunty, extralong shorts better evoked the “elegant ease” that Smith captured in other exits — and his athletic one.