Show report

The opulent surroundings of Goldsmiths Hall provided a fittingly elegant foil for todays's A/W 2012 Vivienne Westwood Red Label show.

The celeb turnout was diverse, from Janice Dickinson and uber-cool NYC DJ Leigh Lezark to Heston Blumenthal and Pete Burns. Sadie Frost and model Jacquetta Wheeler also sat FROW, along with Duran Duran's Nick Rhodes and Skin from Skunk Anansie.

A celebration of quintessential Britishness, the collection showcased precision Savile Row-style tailoring, Jermyn Street stripes, trademark Westwood tartans and a couple of sumptuous Edwardian-inspired velvet jackets. There was even a yellow and black striped rugby shirt over a 40s-style tea dress.

Restrained and almost verging on minimalism in parts, there was less of the craziness we normally expect from Vivienne Westwood: this pared-down collection is all about the cut. Even the hair and make-up had a sombre vibe.

The colour palette was also toned down, all muted pastels - understated blues, soft pinks, plums and mauves - along with soft greys and neutrals. Ikat prints and jacquards influenced by African body painting lent a refreshing multicultural vibe.

Finale eveningwear was exquisite: to-die-for taffeta-silk evening gowns rocking less ruching than usual with more of an emphasis on the demure and the refined.

Super-wearable and brimming with sophistication, this is a collection that will appeal to both hardcore fans and Westwood virgins.

See the collection in our gallery.