Last season, guests leaving Richard Nicoll's presentation were handed canvas tote bags featuring the name of that collection, Modern Times. Nicoll is still living and breathing such times and his latest collection was as modern as they come. The show notes said as much, something of this effect; this is a Richard Nicoll collection and you'll see sporty, you'll see bright and you'll see clothes you'll want to wear now. And next season and the one after.
Take the white windbreaker that opened the show with its net sleeves and big hood. It was teamed with a short white next dress and shiny patent mushroom-hued heels. Simple, functional and oh, so cool. Or the white fine knit over a mini skirt, zips opening at the hem to reveal a net layer. The same look appeared in a smudgy grey and mint print, the top oozing with all the ease of a sweatshirt. Nicoll gives good colour so mustard yellow - fantastic as a layered net top with a frilly peplum over relaxed Bermuda shorts, the neon yellow heels matching the stripe taped to the floor - was followed by sunny sky blue, both tamed by taupe grey, like a zip-up bomber with blue print panels over a pair of jogging pants, stripe racing down each leg, and a block colour tee.
The neon orange and yellow brocade dresses that closed the show showed a confident designer right in his element. How many adjectives does a show review need to put the message across? Easy, relaxed, sexy, cool. Or just that elusive one; modern.
