London Seeks Next Face Of Fashion

London Seeks Next Face Of Fashion
Young Turks of fashion strutted their stuff in London during a week of autumn/winter 2005-6 collections that ended, offering a glimpse of new talent sorely needed to make up for the declining numbers of big-name draws on the British catwalk.

The two poles of London Fashion Week were symbolically staked out on the first and last days, from Julien Macdonald's glamour-charged show to a closing afternoon given over to fashion upstarts from Central Saint Martins design school.

Between the avant-gardists and the established set, trends varied greatly, but the 47 shows ensured that next winter will definitely be warmed by a riot of color, chunky knitwear and -- for the ethically unburdened -- fur.

Dresses will be silken and chiffony, not exactly ideal cold season fare. But they can be layered with nubby cardigans, long scarves that dangle down toward the knee and colorful tights.

Bookish schoolgirls and tomboy ladies are the new muses, too, in knickers and knee-high pants -- seen at Paul Smith -- tight sweaters over frilly blouses -- spotted at Macdonald -- and men's gingham shirts made into girly blouses by Jamaican Jessica Ogden.

The 1970s caftan may make its comeback among the fashion-forward, too, with stand-out numbers embroidered in Afghan-style design by Smith and glamorous ones in green and gold flowing at th