Emma Pinch heaves a sigh of relief as the new wave of folk clothes redefines early noughties chic

Left: Anna Sui gold and black velvet dress, £410, with Claudia Pink bangle, £16. Right: Erdem green bird multicoloured silk and satin dress, £750, and Claudia Pink necklace, £30

WHEN folk re-emerged on the trend agenda for autumn/winter, fashion cynics groaned. But this wasn’t about transporting our wardrobes back to the 70s but Sienna Miller-chic, circa 2005.

That was the summer the actress’ penchant for floaty smock dresses, coin belts and furry gilets almost single-handedly turned the nation into hippy clones.

Left: Anna Sui peacock spot dress, £350. Right: Notify velvet trousers, £155, with Anna Sui purple silk top, £230

But boho haters can breathe a sigh of relief. This season folk fashion is back in vogue only it has had a seriously glam makeover.

Rich winter colours like black, purple, plum and sparkly metallics take over from pastel prints, in velvet and silk.

Right: Anna Sui jumper dress with pockets, £295, worn over American Vintage, bottle green dress, £65

Designer Anna Sui has taken her inspiration this season almost exclusively from folk, and her collection can be found at Amethyst in Liverpool’s Cavern Walks. Check it out at Amethyst’s discount evening which takes place at the store from 5-7pm tonight, with drinks and make up tips from a Mobo Awards make up artist.

This week’s shoot took place in the sumptuous surroundings of Liverpool’s Racquet Club. Traditionally a gentleman’s club, founded in 1874 in Upper Parliament Street, it was rehoused in this building in the 80s.

Right: Anna Sui black and teal skirt, £292, Rebecca Taylor ruffle neck shirt, £170

Now it’s a small hotel with a gym, bar and restaurant, yet it still retains most of its stunning period features. The Racquet Club is a popular venue for business meetings, conferences and wedding parties.

Fashion notes

Model: Carolina Farren, Models North, www.modelsnorth.co.uk. Tel: 0151 706 8046.

Photographer: Tracey O’Neill

Location: Racquet Club Hargreaves Building, 5 Chapel St, Liverpool, tel: 0151 236 6676.

Hair: Lee O’Neill, Barbara Daley, 29-31 Lime Street, Liverpool, tel: 0151 709 7974.

Make-up: Natalie Dowling, Barbara Daley

Stockist: Amethyst, Cavern Walks, 8 Mathew Street, tel: 0151 227 2616.