Winter essentials covered

If your winter wardrobe needs perking up, Marks and Spencer has all the basics covered in an elegant style

WHITE tents and expensive cars outside, photographers and elegant ladies chatting inside. This was the scene last week for Marks and Spencer’s presentation of their 2004 autumn/winter collection at the department store in Acropolis, Nicosia. And very stylish it was too.

Forget M&S slightly frumpy image (whether or not you believe they deserve it), the latest collections are not just for the more mature amongst us. You can look 20 in these clothes.

“A totally modern and stylish woman” is what the Marks and Spencer’s collection is all about, making the working woman, the mother and the daughter exactly that. With an amazing collection of suits, sweaters, skirts, shoes and bags, M&S has thought of every one of us and what we desperately need for this winter; so we can look stylish and 9perhaps less importantly) keep warm.

I had prepared for my arrived at M&S and turned up looking stylish and elegant but in a casual way, or at least I was trying. As the models had not yet stepped on the runway, photographers were very interested in taking pictures. After a couple of canapés washed down with a diet coke, we headed to the spotlights and loud music. Within a couple of minutes, all of fashions best were parading in front of us (I’m talking about the clothes).

So, ‘in’ this winter are tweeds and cord casual pieces, although I’m not so sure about the cord, as I haven’t seen it on any other runway or in many ‘in this winter’ columns. Tweed jackets, on the other hand, are definitely very stylish and M&S have done a brilliant job with their Limited Collection. Colours as basic as white and black were all over the place, however dusty pink and mocha were present in coats, shawls and bags. Neither has M&S forgotten this winter’s must-have: the poncho, which is available in cashmere for those elegant enough to wear it without spilling anything (that goes for me) and in different colours including a warm orange.

Apart from the Limited Collection, elegant outfits from the Per Una collection were presented. Very stylish accessories including clutch bags at very reasonable prices and gorgeous barrel bags ideal for weekends or going to the gym. Brown leather belts and chunky sweaters worn off the shoulder are ideal for those winter hot-chocolate nights in Makarios Avenue. So hurry, make sure you get yours before they run out…

The same show was also given in Limassol by Voici La Mode and Symeonides Fashion House.

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