Fashion Week Opens With Deborah Sweeney's Designs

The opening show of any Fashion Week is a high profile, high pressure itinerary spot and Deborah Sweeney proved she was well up to the task with her 6 String Heaven Winter 2008 collection - inspired by "guitar riffs, rock 'n'roll and ZZ Top.

The largely above-the-knee dress-based collection was interestingly layered as is signature from this designer. Lurex stirrup tights, and tops - sometimes bodysuits - with a variety of highlight sleeves were under; and waist length racer back leather vests or instantly coveted double-breasted woven ponchos went over.

Deborah Sweeney's whimsically ruffle-trimmed bodices designs featured in her 6 String Heaven Winter Collection.

Lots of black and neutrals were juxtaposed with brights like red, orange and fuschia.

Dresses were predominantly "jumpers" and were shown with whimsically ruffle-trimmed bodices in more fitted Empire line styles and softer smock shapes. Of the few pants shown the wide leg denim dungarees were a standout.

Emphasis on long legs created by the stirrup tights - shown in black as well as the gold lurex - was heightened by slightly wacky lace-up high wedge heels from Tristan Blair. Loosely knotted ties and trucker caps underlined 6 String Heaven's slightly defiant, streetwise feel and the sportswear influence that we are seeing in local collections this season has certainly carried forward into Sweeney's range, with zips, eyelets and drawstrings regularly interspersed.

Post show a relieved Deborah told us that a black big bow high-shine shift dress was a fave as were the "fun piece" bodysuits. She's too young to have worn stirrups first time round and says she likes them better this time - well we do too, so deftly layered under. Might be enough to make those of us who did wear them first time round break the golden style rule and give them a second chance.

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