A Fashion Paradise?

9:37am Friday 29th February 2008

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For those who can't even afford to dream about attending London Fashion Week, there was a saviour in the shape of London Fashion Weekend.

The preview night on Wednesday, February 20, was the perfect opportunity to grab a bargain before all the clothes were taken from their rails in a stampede only the fashion world could be proud of.

Put together in association with Grazia magazine it was an event to showcase up and coming designers, see the delights of the catwalk theatre, go weak at the knees for accessories, and sample the make-up counters and drinks. Being staged at The Natural History Museum, London, it was almost a fashion paradise.

I say almost, because there was one little problem - the price of the fashion wares.

Under the assumption it was for small designers to showcase their works and with the potential for up to 60 per cent off, I was expecting prices that would rival Primark. How I was mistaken.

On entering the specially constructed building to the side of the museum, I headed straight for the goodie bag section. After reading reviews of what to expect in the bags, needless to say I was a little disappointed.

Inside one red canvas bag the only real worthwhile item was the latest edition of Grazia. The magazine was accompanied by a bottle of Appletiser, a couple of individually wrapped chocolates (similar to those on your pillow at a hotel), an Alpen Light Bar, a small sample of St Tropez, a small Tony and Guy hair product, a nicely packaged bottle of Chambord Liqueur, a mini Bergamot & Geranium 100 per cent organic soap, a single Mao Feng green tea teabag and last but not least a trial size packet of Oxi-Clean stain remover.

The ground floor of the event showcased bags and accessories galore. The smell of real leather filled the room but so did the price tags. On the upper floor there were too many clothes to fully appreciate. Designers ranging from Alex Monroe to Aura Bella, Babulaque to Betty Jackson, Paul and Joe to Lola Rose, there were styles for everyone.

The front running trend of the night, which is sure to be seen everywhere this summer, is the paisley flower theme. My heart sunk when I picked up a Dolce and Gabanna floral bright red skirt to reveal the price tag of £400 - but it was reduced from £900!I now know what it's like to have my heart broken.

Would I go again? Most probably - five hours surrounded by luxurious clothes and accessories that I normally would only be able to dream about is a real treat. Next time though, I will turn up prepared with some money in the bank!

Oh and the best bit of the night? A young lady saying to the barman "do you know who I am"?

The barman's response was no.