MICHELLE SMITH STICKS BY HER AESTHETIC, BUT ADDS A LITTLE VOLUME

You think you pretty much know what to expect from a Milly by Michelle Smith runway show.  Straight, fairly conservative lines with big blocks of color, perfect for the professional city girl on her climb up the ladder.  This season, it was a little different.

Not so much that you would forget you were looking at a Milly collection, just different enough to make it truly interesting.  Color came in the form of rich, royal blues, as in turtle-neck jumpers blocked with black, one with a slim, form-fitting skirt, another with a more voluminous skirt, as well as outerwear, three-quarter jackets in solids and plaids, and a buttery-soft leather dress.

Next came the greens, in a simple long-sleeved dress with a circle skirt, and the trim on a shiny black embossed vest and matching skirt.

Then things really brightened up, with Barbie pink in a petal skirt, a structured sweater and a loopy-skirted jumper.  In fact, her petal skirts were among my favorites, sleek and fun at the same time.

All the Milly favorites were on hand, like beautiful printed sweaters in stripes and argyles, simple yet beautiful dresses.  Even dress-up clothes were classically Milly, girly, but with an edge.

Every look in this collection told the story of Milly:  sweet and innocent with a wild, ambitious streak.  Every piece was young, fresh, classic, wearable and perfect for the Milly girl.

Photography: Anton Brookes