Tea Dance: Orla Kiely AW12

As the first hectic day of London Fashion Week shows drew to a close I climbed the stairs of Somerset House to be transported away to a 1940s tea dance. Models perched elegantly amongst the vintage inspired decor, the glowing lights of a disco ball thrown on their dewy porcelain complexions. Weary editors, stylists and bloggers alike sat at the tables to bask in the scene and perhaps munch upon a bourbon. The creator of such a gorgeous backdrop? The wonderful and whimsical Orla Kiely.
The clothes were as sweet as the cakes on offer and I find myself daydreaming of the delightful tea dresses, full skirts and prim blouses with pussy bows. Deep red lips and nails sat in contrast to the innocently simple pony tails.
The models wore adorable little shimmering socks in their dancer-esque shoes which were perfect for when the vivacious live band Silk Street Swing struck up a tune and their dashing partners arrived to sweep them round the dance floor.
The details on the clothes were beautiful, from tiny pleats on a cuff to sequins on a Peter Pan collar. Kiely does retro prints as well as ever and I'm wishing so many of the pieces would magically find their way into my wardrobe. This presentation was beautifully executed and worked in blissful harmony with the excessively lovely collection.