Quick Peeks

Lisa Devaney

Off the beaten fashion path, between showrooms in central London, and at Somerset House, visitors of London Fashion Week have been getting treated to tea, cakes and intimate peeks at six select new designer's lines, inside the city's oasis that is the boutique hotel 40 Winks. 

The showroom hosted by David Carter, an interior designer who opened the 40 Winks hotel earlier this year, earning the description from German Vogue as being "the world's smallest most beautiful hotel" provided the venue as an alternative showroom featuring new designers. On view at 40 Winks, included: Alexandra Kaegler, who mixes unusual materials to craft pieces with dramatic lines. Most impressive was her dress made of laser-cut leather pieces, that had both awe-inspiring wow-factor, because of the garment's construction from hundreds of small cut leather pieces, and a distinct earthy scent.

Lisa Gibson A new graduate, her "Abstract Nature" designs included hand-crafted fabric evoking the romance of roses in pattern and design for her collection.

Elegant gowns from Ruti Danan's line are ready to be worn on the Oscar's red carpet by a lucky starlet. Her ruffled Cami Shawl's turn any outfit in your wardrobe into a luxurious, glamourous experience.

Katherine Wardropper sculpts silk fabric into impressive necklaces, brooches and other accessories. The technique of skillfully rolling fabric and attaching it into a complex design is her own creation and makes for a beautiful and original complement to adorn the body, and invite curious conversation.

Timothy Foxx designer Rosalie Eustace has captured a whimsical spirit of the English countryside by mixing fun prints with traditional cuts of tweed to create short shorts, blazers and skirts. This gives the classic tweed a modern, festival-like feel that Kate Moss would be thrilled to wear at Glastonbury.

Atelier Annick's handbags are inspired by her African ancestry, and one of her very rock 'n roll zebra print and red patent leather bag is already a hit with celebrity X-Factor judge Cheryl Cole, who can be seen carrying the bag. Enjoyed taking a quick peek at the fashionable 40 Winks showroom, -Lisa