It is time to glam-up for the festive season and a new range of party frocks designed by Louise Trueman at Oxford boutique Booty, could be just the thing to turn heads

“The collection is young, fresh and unique, in keeping with Booty’s ethos,” Louise explained. Louise, 24, who opened the two-storey shop in St Aldates two-and-a-half years ago, has opted for gold, black and cream as the colours for the collection of four dresses.

She also taps into one of this season’s main fashion trends — animal print.

“I’ve tried to make things that I would like to wear and also, because I have had the shop for a while now, I know what is popular and what sells well,” she added.

The range includes one bandeau-style in leopard print, another in gold with black chiffon sleeves and two in cream and black that sport a touch of leopard print on the shoulders.

The idea to design her own collection came after Louise had a chance meeting with dressmaker Saba Tailor.

“When Saba came into the shop, we got chatting and realised we complement each other’s skills.

“She knows how to make clothes and I know what my customers like. I described exactly the sort of look, colour and shapes I wanted and this collection is the result.”

Louise said she deliberately kept prices between £40-60, so that they are affordable. “The other great thing is that we can respond really quickly to trends.

“At the moment, we stock them in sizes 10 and 12, but can make them to order to fit the person and not many shops in Oxford will do that.

“We also have plenty of accessories to go with the dresses, including shoes, bags and jewellery,” she added.

Louise plans to launch a second own-label collection in the spring and it will be on sale in the boutique, through her Facebook page and website.

Booty stocks a range of designer brands that includes Alexander McQueen, Dolce et Gabbana, Victoria Beckham’s DvB, Evil, Lipsy, Marc Jacobs, Marchesa, Rock & Republic and True Religion.

Other labels carried include Chloe, Anna Lou jewellery and the Model Co range of make-up that is popular with many celebrities.

Louise added: “Launching my own collection is just the start as far as I am concerned. I want to keep adding to the range.

“It is all part of Booty’s policy of trying to stand out. Our motto is that life is too short to blend in.”

Booty, 100 St Aldates, Oxford OX1 1BT. Tel: 01865 726761 or visit the website: www.bootyoxford.co.uk