Amanda Wakeley

Designer Amanda Wakeley proved once again that silk really is her iconic fabric of choice at Sunday's unveiling of her spring summer 2006 collection. Animal print sheer silk sheaths and tunics, paisley wrap dresses and long columns of silk billowed past as the ladies-who-lunch-set looked on.

Choosing a soft palette of oyster greys, taupes, peaches, terra-cotta and olive, Wakeley showcased her creations of long, elegant shapes that heralded a time of Hollywood glamour and Halston-esque low-key sexiness. Sometimes dipping into the pool of eclectic inspiration, as was the case with a tribal neckline that appeared a few time on dresses, Wakeley kept her look understated and svelte. Her use of luscious suedes and leather added texture to her preferred silk and silk jersey. She also made use of metallic detailing and ruched sleeves for a playful finish.

Particularly pretty was a deliciously luxuriant oyster grey silk trench, a column evening dress of olive coloured silk, topped by an orange leather bandeau. Also quite mouth-watering was an olive coloured goddess dress of chiffon.

Wakeley manages again to keep her clientele dressed in the manner to which they have become accustomed.