It’s a Kinder magic…

September 20th, 2009 · No Comments

THE FASHION MOMENT Kinder Aggugini’s fairy-tale show of puffball dreams in perfect cuts left press and guests happy ever after. Photography by Anna Bauer

Report by David Hayes

“Fairy tale,” said an emotional Kinder Aggugini backstage after his show. And it was, in more ways than one.

Close friend, agent Camilla Lowther also celebrating 25 years in fashion this week – had stepped in like a fairy godmother, not only to supply the creative talents of make-up artist Pat McGrath and hair stylist Malcolm Edwards for free, but also to foot the bill for the whole show. “Yes, I helped with everything,” said a proud Camilla. “I was basically his sponsor this season. He’s a great friend and it’s better the devil you know.” And a grateful Kinder was first to admit, “The show wouldn’t have happened without her.”

The collection, too, seemed as if it had stepped straight from the pages of a Hans Christian Andersen fairy story: outsized polka dots, wild animal prints, crocodile cloqué, dog’s tooth check tweed, cut-out fluoro silk and metallic brocades were all thrown into a madcap mix of overblown ballgowns, puffball skirts, neat fitted jackets and sugar-sweet dresses on a parade of models with doll-like curls and Cupid’s-bow lips – topped off with oversized hats from Stephen Jones.

And what fairy tale would be complete without a real-life princess – well, royalty at least – in the form of Lady Helen Winsor, sat front row with Jasmine Guinness, Nick Rhodes and Trinny Woodall? “It was beautiful. The most beautiful show I have seen in a long time. The hats would be great for Ascot!” said Lady Helen after the show. Jasmine Guinness was equally impressed. “The jackets, the coats and the red dress with the lace insert. I want it all. It’s a nightmare!” she joked.

“The jackets were great,” said Matches’ Bridget Cosgrave. “He is the king of jackets.”

“The cut was magical,” said Hilary Alexander, clearly enchanted by the collection. “We haven’t seen someone to set things on fire like that for a while. I think Kinder would be perfect for a big fashion house like Ungaro. If he doesn’t get offered something by the end of the year I’ll eat one of those Stephen Jones hats!”

A big fashion house contract? Now that would be a real fairy-tale ending.