British designer Paul Smith threw together feathers, fedoras and forest greens for an outdoorsy feel as he unveiled a 2009 collection at London Fashion
Week on Monday. But Smith, made a knight by Queen Elizabeth II for his work, also kept things fun with splashes of vivid pink livening up sober raincoats and spangly epaulettes lifting otherwise staid camouflage green jackets. Best known for his menswear and accessories, Smith unveiled his fall-winter collection at London’s Claridges hotel amid the British capital’s fashion carnival. Constant splashes of hot pink, secreted on the back of belts _ or screaming out from underneath his jackets, lent a playful touch to sober pieces in the designer’s latest collection. Smith also used bright color in his flirty formal wear, throwing pinks against black dresses and open shirts. In a nod to the legendary outlaw of his hometown of Nottingham, in central England, Smith sent models striding along a catwalk in hats mounted with Robin Hood feathers. The 62-year-old designer offered signature faded floral prints, formal high-waisted trousers and fluffy, understated sweaters.
Other outfits appeared to clash _ a translucent white nightgown paired with a green jacket and a loose horizontally striped sweater teamed with a floral dress.