Caroline Charles is the mainstay of London Fashion Week. In her 46th fashion year, the only cause for worry would be if she were not there. Speaking to Chic Today after the show, Caroline admits that she isn’t worried about the planned move to Somerset House—in fact she is positively excited about it!

Caroline presented her A/W 09-10 collection as she customarily does: in three stages. This first takes the audience through her casual wear, which in this particular collection is Land Girls inspired. This influence saw leopard motifs, tweeds and delicate floral prints combined into a host of coats, suede jackets complete with leather epulates, blouses and straight-cut trousers tucked into cowboy boots. The palette was reminiscent of autumnal leaves, with brown, olive, mustard and red hues all making appearances. The clashing tweed plaid skirt suits, quite kooky and English Rose, were certainly a personal favourite.

This was swiftly followed by Urban Cool, a selection aimed at the ‘modern city woman’ and which combined steel greys and bronzed tones. There were neatly tailored jackets and long coats with extravagant structures. Trousers were wide-legged, with gorgeous front pleat detailing, whilst skirts went in the opposite direction to form fitting pencil styles.

This was swiftly followed by Urban Cool, a selection aimed at the ‘modern city woman’ and which combined steel greys and bronzed tones. There were neatly tailored jackets and long coats with extravagant structures. Trousers were wide-legged, with gorgeous front pleat detailing, whilst skirts went in the opposite direction to form fitting pencil styles. Personal favourites from this section of her line were without a doubt the beautifully tailored cropped tux jackets and elegant, wide-leg trousers–simply divine.

The final section of the show was dedicated to what Caroline Charles is known best for, and that is cocktail dresses. This final part of her collection was all about the Orient, with silhouette dresses and jackets appearing in a host of bright floral prints based primarily upon black and red. Gorgeous sparkly embellishments were abundant, details that are synonymous with the Charles brand.

Yet again, Caroline Charles has shown why she is still going strong after 46 years. She knows her market well and while she may be no PPQ, she sells. And let’s be honest: at this difficult time, brands need commercial viability to survive.

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Images courtesy of Londonfashionweek.com/Catwalking.com. Text © Rivkie Baum/Fash-pack.blogspot.com