If Peaches Geldof  wants to escape the paparazzi, she has come to the right city.

The newly-married 19-year old, who recently moved to study at New York University, took her front row seat at the Preen show without causing a single flashbulb to pop.

Dressed in shiny black leggings, a white T-shirt, black ankle boots and a silver sequinned hairband, Geldof spent the show looking rather miserable.

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This was a strong, sexy collection from British couple Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi, whose Preen label was one of the highlights of London Fashion Week before they defected Stateside three seasons ago, aided by sponsorship from Topshop.

The duo have always had a winning way with a cocktail dress - Amy Winehouse is one of their most ardent fans - and for spring 2009, there were some delicious confections, cut tight to the body in white, blood red, putty or soft turquoise.

Layers of fabric were superimposed; a clinging sheath dress of red silk was cut away to reveal slashes and curlicues of mesh or transparent gazar underneath.

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Lacing was a theme, with a pair of slouchy blue suede trousers slashed and tied with criss-cross laces that snaked up the side of each leg.

London model Jourdan Dunn wore a black jacket with a cutaway back that mirrored the shape of a guitar, its shoulders slashed and bound.

The collection was densely textured, with Fortuny pleating and ruched silk creating a series of curves that were pleasingly feminine.

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Frill seekers: Preen's collection was heavily textured and also featured bondage-esque lacing and 'rock' elements

But there was a 'rock' element to the clothes, evident in the zips curling down the backs of dresses and the bondage-esque lacing, that saved everything from looking too fey.

In its paciness and its modernity, this was a London show through and through, and one that the New York schedule was all the richer for hosting.

What a pity Bregazzi was unable to see it: her and Thornton’s first baby is due this week, so she stayed in London.