London Fashion Week show report: Todd Lynn

The Todd Lynn SS13 collection was titled with that famous Apocalypse Now quote, 'Charlie Don't Surf'. So perhaps it isn't surprising that Todd cited the famous 1979 movie, as well as colonisation and safari, as inspiration for the collection.

The safari theme was brought to life with the soundtrack that echoed around the show space as we waited for the show to start. As the front row filled up with the likes of Hilary Alexander, Brix Smith Start and The Kills' Alison Mosshart (in a gorgeous Equipment silk shirt), we heard the sounds of noisy crickets and bugs as though we were deep in the jungle... the only unusual thing being that this jungle smelt strongly of label.m hairspray.

The soundtrack was bespoke for the collection, created by The Libertines' Gary Powell, and as the models started walking to it the mood fitted. There were a lot of muted khaki greens - definitely taking a safari feel rather than a military feel - and the first outfits were typically safari-esque, except that our staggeringly tall wilderness explorers were in stunningly well-cut suede numbers. And I doubt sky-high Louboutins are recommended for the jungle.

Colour gradually crept its way in to the collection with blood red detailing making me feel a little like a lion had made its way into camp.

The garments all gradually got smarter - with pin tuck details and a new take on peplum. The looks got darker too, until we were watching dark jungle green dresses and eventually all black designs, often with a bit of flesh on display. (To tempt the lions, perhaps?).

It was these black pieces at the end that I liked the most, especially the laddered details. Tuxedo trousers and maxi skirts had a strip of laddered fabric down the outside leg, revealing the skin underneath all the way up to the waist. Some dresses had entirely cut-out waists whilst others retained this laddered effect to cover some modesty. There was only one leather look (for shame!) but this was nothing short of perfect - a leather roll neck top with slits across the collarbone, leather cropped jacket and leather shorts, all in black.

I can't write about the show and not mention the gorgeously fat fishtail plaits that the Toni & Guy session team created - this is a look I'll definitely be trying for SS13, whether I go on safari or not!