In a sharp contrast to yesterday’s subdued and mature collections, Day 5 was a far more extravagant affair, with a real focus on OTT evening wear and red carpet worthy looks. Hardly surprisingly with award season well underway…

In recent collections Carolina Herrera had explored the arty and ethereal aspect of her designs, but for A/W 2010 she returned to her superluxe and decadent past, with puffed sleeves, off the shoulder dresses and voluminous high waisted trousers. Grand blouses, crocodile skin and heavy cashmere all made for an incredibly grown up glamour - with floor length steel blue dresses followed by metallic twisted cocktail dresses and fur collared, belted over coats.

Brazillian designer, Carlos Miele went back to his roots with a colourful and figurehugging collection – fuschias, purples and reds were twisted around models like bandages, with chunky cage style shoes. It wasn’t all about the carnival spirit, however, with cropped jackets, organic denims and chunky wool ponchos.

Tracy Reese provided some much needed respite from the mornings high octane glamour, with a very wearable collection designed with her ‘customer’ in mind. Layering was the key word, with stirrup leggings, chunky cardigans and oversized scarves decorated with sutble crystal beading and faux fur trims. Her nod to evening wear came in the form of numerous rouched dresses, but these became homogenous by the end of the show. Delivering a wearable, cosy and attractive collection – it was clear that Reese had the typical consumer in mind.

Monique Lhuillier veered far from winter practicality with her trouserless collection, with  rich, opulent reds and golds. Wool-shredded coats, draped column dresses and the standout burgundy organza ballgown finished off the collection nicely.

Renowned Alist favourte Tadashi Shoji showed a collection of nudes, beiges and blacks with pleited one shoulder dresses, ballerina pink lace gowns and a flash of colour from a blue and green colour blocked cocktail dress. Teamed with lace pumps, sheer hoisery and jewelled cuffs, this inoffensive collection negotiated the fine line between wearable and dull. Just,

And then there was Zac  Posen. With well publicised financial problems, Posen’s show was stripped back and basic – with no evening wear featured – but his notorious creative flair could be seen in his sportswear pieces, with strong cuffs and lapels, structured shoulders and brooches pinned to waistbands. A cute pink ice skating dress stood out, but it was clear that Posen’s skill and interest lies with evening wear…

For runway shows, style commentary and celebrity interviews from London Fashion Week A/W 2010 check out http://www.livefromfashionweek.com/ for a live stream from fashion week.