An anthropolgicical study of the fashionista

Johnathan Saunders, Monday 18th 2007 Barbican Main Gallery

So here I am standing exactly in the last place I would want to be; outside the most anticipated show at LFW without a ticket. This is most definitely an Ugly Betty moment. Ever the optimist I try to convince myself that this in actual fact a rare opportunity. From inside it would obviously be much more difficult to celeb spot and gauge what the fashion pack is wearing. As the only person hanging around outside (wearing flat- the shame) I would indeed see a wealth of anthropological sights. Of course inside there was champagne, warm air (since when was it winter?) Anna Wintour (oh yes, I saw her breeze into the venue- I like to think she gave me the sneer I deserved) and ..the Johnathan Saunders collection. So on balance, if we are honest, I was not getting such a good deal.

…So back to making to making the best of all in life.

The Barbican entrance very soon became the location of an almightily tussle between London’s bus drivers, cabbies and the chauffeur driven Maseratis and Mercedes. As journalists, buyers and photographers attempting to scramble across town in rush hour from the late running Basso and Brooke show, tempers were frayed and nerves were on edge. Stylish women running- nay sprinting in platforms is quite a sight to behold. In fact you could even label it an extreme sport. More elegant entrances were made by those whose drivers had found canny routes across the capital. Erin O’Conor emerged from her car immaculately dressed and spell bindingly elegant. Anna Wintour arrived in a flattering cream trench, escorted by gentlemen either side of her slim frame. Jess Cartner-Morely, Fiona Bruce and the Vogue and Elle teams all joined the show in style.

But it was the arrival of the three fashion buses laden with clamouring fashionistas that really provided the treat to the senses. As their doors slid open over a hundred people sporting hats, wigs and capes attempted to negotiate the pavement. The fashion swarm resembled a circus troupe- colourful-yes, elegant? -perhaps not.

So was it all worth it?..Don’t ask me, I wouldn’t bloody well know, would I?