When I heard through the fashion grapevine that model Abbey Clancy was launching a clothing range with Matalan I was very excited. Abbey has long been a bit of a fashion hero and rarely puts a foot wrong with her sartorial choices. I was also approaching the launch with trepidation however, as past celeb/High street collaborations have not always been successful. Whether it’s churning out cheap looking versions of their stage outfits, which make normal girls look as though they have entered a Ronald MacDonald look- alike competition (I’m looking at you Rihanna for River Island) or whether the range simply doesn’t look like anything the star themselves would ever wear (yep that one is aimed at the Kardashians) these collabs can be very difficult to nail.

No need to worry, Abbey has ticked every box with her gorgeous collection of party pieces. From gorgeous mini dresses, to more elegant pencil shapes and a stunning structured blazer, the collection manages to be sultry and sophisticated enough for those whose clubbing days are behind them, while including pieces which are fun and youthful for girls wanting to go out for a dance.

My own piece from the collection is the black velvet, long sleeved mini dress and it is a perfect fit with a good quality feel. The dress ticks both the velvet and Gothic trends for A/W 13 and the collection also features high fashion high collars which you don’t have to look like Abbey to pull off.

Not every dress was for me- peplums are not my thing- but the collection will appeal across the board. Abbey certainly knows her market, the most expensive piece is the blazer which is still a reasonable £45, and the most expensive dress is £30 which is definitely competitive when pitched against similar pieces on the high street.  Girls will find it hard to resist going back for more after their first purchase.

The perfect range of party dresses just in time for the festive season, what’s not to like? More of the same please Ms Clancy!

Kathleen Isaac