The Communication Store press preview introduced me to a new designer: Nicholas Oakwell.

Nicholas graduated from the Epsom School of Art and Design where his entire final collection was bought by Harvey Nichols and featured in a ‘Harpers & Queen’ spread by American Vogue European Editor-at-Large, Hamish Bowles.

Having worked at Dior, Mila Schon and Katharine Hamnett, the designer went it alone by showcasing this first couture collection back in June.

Five of the eighteen-piece collection were on display. I was particularly taken by the breathtaking gown with a beaded top and ombre tiered ruffled skirt. It would surely have a big impact on the red carpet.

The workmanship and attention to detail is second to none. It will be very interesting to see the designer’s upcoming collections and of course it would be amazing to see one of these gowns worn on the red carpet.

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I also got to see the Christopher Kane Spring 2012 collection up close, including those embellished flats which many people seem to strongly dislike.

This collection won’t be easy to wear on the red carpet. It needs true mavens like Leighton Meester, Kate Bosworth and Chloe Sevigny to not be overwhelmed by the strong pieces which have standout floral prints and heavenly embellishments.

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Both the sporty Versus and sexy marine Versace collections were on display.

I love the pastel colours and seeing the small details up close. I’m still in awe of the models who were able to walk the runway in those painfully high shoes. I would’ve broken both ankles.

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I also saw the Osman Spring 2012 collection which included the lemon dress Lady Gaga wore recently and the Antonio Berardi blush mini dress worn by Zoe Saldana.

J Brand showcased more than just jeans and denim jackets. They are adding knits, a leather jacket, a top, sweat pants and harem pants to their collection for spring.

Roland Mouret’s sexy Parisian chic fitted dresses were also on display with a very colourful collections by J.Crew, Missoni, Maje, Hoss, Richard Nicholl, Coach and Christopher Kane’s menswear.

Credit: Pictures belong to Red Carpet Fashion Awards