WHO?Brit heritage brand Aquascutum
A model walks the runway during the Aquascutum Autumn/Winter 2012 show at The Savoy. Photo:PA
IN A NUTSHELL: One of those rare collections in which you could happily wish any piece straight off the catwalk and into your wardrobe, the Autumn collection from Aquascutum was packed full of modern classics - the kind that will be snapped up instantly and reworn for seasons to come. Naturally outerwear took centre stage, with beautiful tailored trench coats and boxy jackets given a fresh twist with the introduction of fur patches and leather inserts. The eveningwear was equally elegant, with sleek floor-length dresses in black and navy featuring subtle-but-not-trashy cut-outs - allowing just the slightest glimpse of flesh as the models moved. We can well imagine some his 'n' hers Aquascutum couples on the red carpet in the near future.
BEG, BORROW OR STEAL: We loved the coats that at first appeared to be worn open, but in fact featured a zipped up underlay, and would happily offer a home to any of the high-shine heeled leather boots. We're also now thinking we need to get ourselves some elbow-length leather gloves.
VERDICT:For a brand that was once purely synonymous with British royals and politicians, Aquascutum has enjoyed something of a resurgance in the past two years under the guise of creative director Joanna Sykes. Turning a Brit heritage brand into one that is modern and fresh, but without losing its underlying beliefs, is no easy task, but one which has been achieved almost seamlessly - the likes of James Cordon, Alexandra Burke and One Direction's Harry Styles on the front row was testament to that. This is a brand with its finger firmly on the pulse.