ASOS AW2012 preview | Shake it up baby, twist and clash

Fed up of waiting for the ‘New:In’ sections of ASOS to update, we sent Craig White and Katy Spry charging at the new AW2012 collections, beady fashion eyes and cameras at the ready.

The emergence of ASOS as a major player in high street fashion without a single store is proof that online sales in the UK matter, not only in cash terms but in directing trends. The bold ASOS creative team continue to take risks and push high street style into occasionally perplexing directions (check out the woolen houndstooth onesie!) and their mix’n'clash styling suggests new twists and turns while allowing you to cherry pick what’s right for you.

The influence of British designers like Christopher Kane, Osman and House of Holland on this collection are occasionally blatant, but who doesn’t enjoy foxing friends with a well executed knock-off?! Here’s a round up in pictures of the key ASOS looks for AW2012.

Osman at London Fashion Week AW12 // Taste of the Orient

Who: Osman

Where: BFC Courtyard Showspace, Somerset House

When: Monday 20th February at 7pm

Who: Poppy Delevigne, Theresa May, Harold Tillman, Bip Ling

No that isn’t a typo. The Frow at Osman on Monday night took a surprising political turn, as Home Secretary Theresa May took up her seat alongside BFC Chairman Harold Tillman and star blogger Liberty London Girl. And why not? A favourite of SamCam and Sarah Brown, Osman’s collections have always been a big draw for the fashion-savvy politicos ensconced on Downing Street.

With a set that included a vibrant printed carpet catwalk, this season Osman treated us to a journey through the orient. White shirts were accompanied by ornate brocade collars and matching booties; cape backed blouses and skinny fit trousers were constructed out of richly embroidered chinoiserie fabrics. Even leather skirts, with Osman’s trademark U-shaped hems, were given a blood red lining – instantly lifting the monochromatic looks.

Moving on from a colour scheme of reds, white and black, Osman’s later looks incorporated a moss-green hue – set off brilliantly by bright blue pom-pom and gold accessories by Erickson Beamon. Yes, all the Osman design signatures were there- that elegant curve of the waistline, the neat silhouette of a trouser suit -but refigured in exotic prints and fabrics, here was a collection perfect for brightening up those dark winter days.

Images and video credit: Samantha Meachin