One of the best shows of the week so far, Thakoon took my breath away (literally, I think I held my breath for 10 solid minutes!). We may have watched the show indoors, but it was open air from start to finish. Spring has sprung: birds, butterflies, and flowers abounded and my response? Put me in your cage please!

I had the best seat in the house, right by the backstage entrance; the models had to walk by me twice, so I had the pleasure of seeing the outfits from all angles. The first look encompassed the sense of whimsy Thakoon is feeling for Spring ’13. A birdcage-print, silk-duchesse strapless dress (in my world, that is called a Tina dress) revealed a creative spin on the classic strapless silhouette. As the pattern lines mimic a glamorous birdcage, the shape of the dress takes on a new meaning. For all the modern otherworldliness (Thakoon is packed with sparkplug ideas), the presence of tradition was also strong. A heavy-cotton black top with hummingbird embroidery reminded me of my summer spent in Thailand (Thakoon’s homeland). Here was a finely balanced combination: a fresh elegance brought to an age-old Asian technique. Soft and gentle silhouettes prevailed, and Thakoon stuck to his roots in more ways than one. His signature smock dresses have been updated with filigree crinkle chiffon panel and now boast a fantastic lightness. The whimsy wasn’t just in the form of fluttering birds. Flowers in full bloom gradually took center stage, some in sweet blue wallpaper patterns, countered by embellishments of oversized pailettes and braided leather – for elements of glamour and edginess, respectively. Flying high and closing with an acid plisse lace gown with filigree jacquard caging, the model grew her own wings and cemented my sentiment. Thakoon, I want to be your bird.