Yes, I am aware that it is Wednesday today, and LFW is finishing today. The delay my friends, is down to my decision to have a dinner party on the opening weekend of fashion week and work commitments. Not too clever, especially as I decided to make a huge feast. I was in the kitchen instead of at shows. How times have changed. But, I send apologies with some of the shows that I did manage to get to and some of my favourite shows of the week.
Paul Costelloe
You just know that LFW is truly here, when you get to Somerset House at 8:45am and everyone is balancing in heels and carefully clutching their Vanilla Lattes. I thought I was going to be late to the show, I am not a morning person. But, the show was running late... of course, which I really should have known. After, the usual fuss of what colour dots everyone has on their invites, we were finally seated. The collection was inspired by the 1962 film 'What Ever Happened to Baby Jane' with a Parisian mood. There were metallics, volume and silks. A very feminine and flirty collection, just the thing to make you smile at 9am. As always, the soundtrack was great too.
Caroline Charles
Whilst waiting for the show to start, Boris Johnson appeared to open LFW. He's adorable. I voted for him, therefore I feel a special connection to him. After a spot of people watching, posing or trying to not pose for style hunters and getting over my Boris-induced-excitement, we went into the show tent. The collection was sophisticated, colourful and had wonderful cuts. A very grown-up collection with dropped waistlines and sparkling jewels. Perfect for elegant evenings and tea parties. The definition of refinement.
Erdem
Ethereal romance at its best. This collection was breathtakingly beautiful. Each look (bar the sexy hotpants) was feminine, soft and very, very pretty. The prints, as always with Erdem were stunning, his translations of them this season were perfect. Touches of sheer lace broke up the print and a heavier laser-cut white lace, stood alone. Quite possibly the prettiest trench coat featured in this collection, as did a pair of gorgeous mini gloves. Pleated skirts added to the romantic look, as did off the shoulder dresses. Love.
Issa London
Daniella Issa Helayel took us on a trip to the tropics this season. There were gorgeous pastels and pineapple prints. Block stripes, fringing and cute dresses were all seen. Elegant lace looks, stood out for me, but the prints were definitely the stars of the show. Pretty and prim jackets and skirts were lovely, and I'm sure the Duchess of Cambridge sprung to many peoples minds. The carnival costume at the end was a fun and gorgeous way to close the show.
House of Holland
I'm sure the whole world knows about my snakeskin obsession by now. Thanks to H&M for their amazing skin print collection, amazing. Anyway, the collection was a mix of the usual over the top and fabulous pieces that we are accustomed to. Pastel colours were paired with snakeskin braces, belts and boots. Then there was bleach and paint splattered denim, biker jackets with snake sleeves, tartan prints and oversized leopard print. Crazy, fabulous and fun... a good time.
Temperley London
A gorgeous collection with influences from the twenties. Headscarfs and sunglasses were the accessories of choice. Art-deco embellishments, and feminine florals were on sensual silks and sheer pieces. Evening dresses had a Grecian quality and pieces of lace hinted at lingerie. I adored the jumpsuits and occasional fringed looks.
Roksanda Ilincic
This show had such great use of colour, especially with the experimental silhouette it offered. Mustard, turquoise, magenta and a little monochrome all came down the catwalk. They all incorporated some volume in each look, whether through a bell sleeve or exaggerated hip. Paper-bag waists featured and were accentuated with neon orange rope belts.
Paul Smith
Every season Paul Smith shows us how menswear should be done for women. A white, cropped trouser suit opened the show, with patent loafers. Grey and blue tartan trousers with a matching blouse looked perfect with a polka dot bag. The added femininity came in the form of wrap dresses, sleeveless day dresses, and skirts. Silk drawstring trousers, also gave a nod to athleticism.
Mark Fast
Knits are what Mark Fast does, and he does them very well. He evolved his collection this season to include a few neon dresses, to work with the tropical mood. The knits were gorgeous in their sandy nude hue. Some were off shoulder with gold fringing, there were tiers, mermaid hems and tribal influences. A nude maxi was very sexy and contoured, my favourite look of the show. The touches of neon with the sand worked very well and had a youthful effect.
Giles
As soon as the opening look of an elaborate feathered swan headpiece, courtesy of Stephen Jones came out, the collection was destined for greatness. It was beautiful, the swan theme played through until the end, undergoing many transitions in the process. The plumes of extravagant feathers gave way into a beautiful swan print, which led to stunning ball gowns. Along the way, were metallic looks for a modern edge including a gorgeous laser-cut silver. Amazing collection.
Burberry Prorsum
One of my favourite collections for Spring/Summer 2012 so far. Possibly because it wasn't very Summery, and I'm an A/W girl all the way. The pieces were very natural and tribal with African influences. Trench coats were given yet another wondrous makeover, this time with full skirts, raffia and beaded collars. Canvas skirts were worn with beaded tops and gave off a very utilitarian feel. Crochet and raffia details were also present, and looked great on the bags, belts and hats. Cropped parkas were delightful as were the cocoon coats... which I'm sure we can wear, it probably will not be hot anyway. Tunics with heavy collars, African printed wrap skirts and slashed pleated dresses were also winners. I loved it all.
Next up... Milan <3
Photos: www.catwalking.com
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