Fashion, flies and summer skies

This intriguing shop window – notice the huge house flies behind the mannequins – is that of the Zara store opposite the Oxford Circus tube stop.

But the connection between flies & fashion isn’t the only thing that befuddles me about the UK fashion industry. No, that honour must be shared by the absolute disconnect between the weather and the fashion trends.

One February morning this year, I entered the Reiss store on Essex Road in order to escape the drizzle that had just suddenly come down to cherry-top the ice-cold morning. I decided to put the time to good use by looking around for a good cardigan or sweater. Only, when I asked the assistant for a good 100 per cent wool sweater, she looked nonplussed.

 “We have only two of those left,” she explained. “You see, we have moved to our spring collection.” Ironically, as we looked outside in search of spring, we saw snow flakes drift by. To give the shop assistant her due, she had the grace to look sheepish.

And now, the shops say that it is summer and we must buy cut sleeves, tube tops, cotton frocks, summer skirts and sun glasses. Only, there is no sign of the ballyhooed summer or the sun. 

But who will tell that to Vogue!