By Ashley Bartlett

Stuck in traffic with only 15 minutes to spare before the Aime show and I am stressing out a bit. “Step on it darling,” I yell to the driver, and I eventually arrive in one piece (with my sanity only slightly intact). A quick flash of my press pass and a quick scurry over to my seat, I arrive on time.

There is a little surprise waiting for me at my seat – a beautiful eco-chic clutch in canvas and leather handles and the Aime logo in pink stitching. Designer Monica Mei has a great knack for turning out collections that have an understated elegance. Her philosophy attests to women loving themselves and exuding a certain confidence. There’s something to be said about wearing the clothes rather than the clothes wearing you, and I think that’s something Mei understands very well. Aime SS10 was no exception – a lovely line-up of dresses and separates (but mostly dresses), all in organic cotton, bamboo, and silk. Inspired by long summer days by the Mediterranean Sea, Mei selected a rich mosaic of aqua, canary yellow, grape, and cream all tied together punches of black and accents of metallic silver. Easy breezy sleeveless dresses, cheery printed short shorts, soft ruffles and long luxurious cardigans completed the look.

From polished and light at Aime, we go to rich and boudoir sexy at Nada. I had been waiting all week for some drama… a real spectacle! Of course Nada delivered. A short introduction video featuring look book model Elise Gatschene strutting around a very decadent Parisian hotel (a la Marie Antoinette) played on the back wall and I got fashion goosebumps – you know when you see a really good show and your heart flutters just a bit? The look was Victorian meets James Dean – think teased beehive coifs, strong eyes and thin Dior Haute Couture brows. Lots and lots of French lace, super slim black waxed leather pants, front seam stockings, strong shoulders, short fingerless leather gloves, sexy pencil skirts, and watercolour prints in white washed pastels. The crowd went wild during the finale walk through and designer Nada Shepherd received a huge applause.