Fannie Schiavoni AW10: Body Armour

The new autumn/winter 2010 collection by Swedish-born Fannie Schiavoni has definitely lived up to my high expectations. She sent the look book over just before she was due to show as part of the NEWGEN exhibition at London Fashion Week, and I have been patiently waiting to post. Pieces from past collections have appeared on the likes of Lady Gaga, or on the pages of Vogue, and played a major role on Noush Skaugen’s soon to be released album I styled. The success of her collections every season lies in a balance of tough structural metal with soft draping and flowing lines. She says of AW10 "this collection doesn't have a concept or single strong source of inspiration. I take inspiration from all over the place; old factories/architecture, movies, landscapes, Swedish culture and handcraft, Ingrid Bergman, Fever Ray, the architect Todd Saunders and even my mum". Autumn/winter 2010 is a natural development from past collections. She has added depth and richness of texture. You see again the shoulder guards, braces, metal gloves and layered chain necklaces, but with the addition of metal petals and soft wools in a muted palette. In doing so the pieces become more wearable, for a wider market, who Fannie says ‘is someone that has a strong sense of personal style, but she's not a show-off. She buys one strong piece of clothing or accessory each season and pairs with her otherwise subtle wardrobe’.

The options are endless: pair with lace, chiffon and simple cashmere jumpers to epitomise Scandinavian effortless cool; or with black ripped skinnys and peep-toe biker boots to make a grunge statement. Or layer up against bare skin in the style of Lady Gaga. These pieces will slip into your wardrobe with ease. And nothing feels quite as empowering to wear as Fannie’s chainmail.

Fannie Schiavoni is stocked at Browns Focus, Kabiri and 125 Brick Lane.