If there is one phrase that could sum up Basso and Brooke's collection, "deceptively simple" would do it very well. First pioneers, now masters, of using eye-popping digital prints in their designs, Basso and Brooke delved further into the technological possibilities within fashion for their new collection. Although what they do might sound complex, the results always look effortless and that is the beauty and purpose of their clothes. Subtle draping, gentle puffball hems and soft ruching almost went unnoticed to the naked eye, but it is these techniques that create such flattering silhouettes.
For Autumn/Winter 2010, Basso and Brooke were eager to strip away the overly busy look of their prints in order to offer classic, versatile garments that could appeal to a wider audience. As a result, we got sophisticated parkas and trench coats in timeless putty hues. A selection of patterns in less lurid, dizzying colours remained true to the Basso and Brooke visual, but also allowed the clothes to be worn in any number of situations, rather than just on an occasion that requires a bold statement to be made. Basso and Brooke even helped us envisage a new way to wear their clothes. While blazer and slim fitting trousers in matching print creates a statement look, the addition of a plain belted jacket seamlessly takes the outfit to something suited to the everyday. Or almost everyday. Unlike other designers, Basso and Broke seem to want their clothes to be less conspicuous, lose some of their notoriety as spectacle and become more functional. It's not often that you find members of the fashion industry who consciously seek to blend into the background, but this could prove to be a shrewd move for this particular designer duo.
The palette was made up of grown up autumnal shades, and patterns were less mind boggling than previous seasons, with the designers presumably favouring a less-is-more approach. There was still a good dose of their giddy, clashing prints to keep die-hard fans happy, and an abundance of duchesse satin, organza and silk ensured that dresses still had a luxe, polished finish to them.