Sara Berman A/W 2006/7

Designed by Sara and Amiee Berman

When Katherine Hepburn wanted to distant herself from the sugary Hollywood set, she did it in trousers. Sartorially speaking, the Sara Berman girl understands where she was coming from. This is a man’s world; well sort of.

For winter, Sara Berman has chiselled back the silhouette, in line with the minimalism that swept the catwalk. The tailoring is crisper, the palette a few shades darker and the fabrics suitably indulgent. From shot-silk to Harris Tweed, via some rather beautiful dalliances in printed chiffons, this is quiet luxury. Of course, there are bows too. Lots of bows.

Ribbons aside, things are getting cloudy between the sexes. Sensing this ambiguity, there has been a stern hand reigning in the tailoring department. The shadow-striped tuxedo needs only an androgynous model and gritty side street before it becomes a Helmut Newton shoot. And the sheer spotted evening shirt smells of vampish Saint Laurent; this is an urbane, new Sara Berman woman.

But there is girliness too. In true Berman style, a dress is not a dress, until it boasts the cutest frill-sleeves in town. Skirt waistbands are high and bee-stung (presumably, so that those not opting for slacks and side-part can flaunt their curves) and there is no shortage of tiny puffed shoulders either. The palette might be feel darker and more brooding than we’ve come to expect, but accents of the juiciest peach, cool teal and lots of old, smoky pinks means girls can still have fun.

And what could be more entertaining than an impromptu winter date? If he catches you unawares, make sure you grab your knitwear on the way out. This season’s loose fitting cardigan looks just as good thrown over a silk negligee as it does with slouchy jeans. Or if the weather has turned for the worse, the cropped wrap cardigan moonlights as a scarf, so a girl can always be prepared.

This season, Sara Berman can accompany you from corporate office to cocktail party and pretty much every event in between. Just don’t expect to go unnoticed.