As her fourth collection was presented in London yesterday, at Mayfair's Savile Club, stylists and editors ate low-fat slivers of humble pie while running the rule over dresses they now covet.

Two rails of frocks, each bearing her signature brass zip down the spine, drew admiration from even the most cynical fashionistas.

While the collection's structured simplicity had much in common with her previous ones, it revealed that Posh's designs have developed.

There was intricate seaming and more diaphanous fabrics such as chiffons and lamés.

Origami-influenced sheath dresses in heavy rib jerseys nestled alongside glossy raffia tweeds tailored into understated dresses that owe more than a nod to a young Grace Kelly or Tippi Hedren.