Model of the year Cara Delevingne with Jourdan Dunn pretty in party ready sequins
London’s Fashion Week has now come to an epic end. The fashion capital subjected us to some of the biggest statement shows to date. Londoners, the rich and famous, and a huge selection of international fashion lovers assembled for their daily fixes of fashion. By the looks of it they drooled over the latest and upcoming collections for S/S and A/W.
Following the intensity of New York Fashion week the critics were out in force. Nothing less than originality, a classic comeback, or a mind blowing collection of new prints and designs would get designers in their good books.
Dusty pink hues were a hit on the cat walk at TopShop Unique and Simone Rocha. The Irish designer and daughter of John Rocha payed homage to her two grandmothers who inspired her 2013 Autumn/Winter collection ‘Respect Your Elders”. The show consisted of light pink dreamy smart suits with uber-chic nude shirts and tinsel tweed LBD’s that epitomized the perfect winter wardrobe for any sophisticated girly girl. The 26 year old upcoming young designer didn’t stop there. Her shoes and soft cream colors spoke to each onlooker as her looks under took the most perfect of transactions from the rails to the runway. Simon Rocha almost challenges Chanel with her collection with an evidently similar, yet strikingly different approach to the popular masculine/feminine combined look.
Velvet also featured unsurprisingly a recurring theme almost every year. But this year the colour scheme was very much the dark side with blacks, burgundy and navy at Christopher Kane and Issa.The dark romantic mood descended over Mulberry with dark layers of chiffon velvet and lace which ultimately created a stylish sinister look on the catwalk. The flow sleeves were admired at Christopher Kane while PVC skirts featured at the aforementioned Topship Unique and Simone Rocha.
Pretty in Pink Simone Rocha’s beautiful Autumn/Winter 2013 collection at Fashion Week
Shoe envy at Simone Rocha
Matthew Williamson made the quite the statement hosting his show in the conservatory of the Royal Opera House. The aesthetically spectacular display provoked jaw dropping reactions from the surrounding fashion cubs. Williamson took us to the bright, enchanting, ‘Northern Lights’ with horizontal lines and zig-zag prints. His quintessential attention to detail was further magnified by the clever use of strobe lighting, which illuminated his beautiful colours and distinctive patterns. His majestic dresses embodied his vision of the English Rose. Chunky winter knits still remained youthful grace to his well cut suits and rainbow colours inspired by a Scandinavian look. His formal collection showcased sequins with an apparently haphazard mix of timeless accessories and delicate fabrics. As the models left the runway he closed the show with a fake snowfall, completing his ‘Northern Lights’ vision.
It’s Northern Lights and pretty stripes at Matthew Williamson Fall 2013
Grunge is back and appear to be a prominent part of Topshop’s future, especially with the staples, such as oversized leather jackets, fur and boots. The Topshop Unique show was one of the biggest hits at LFW bringing all the latest and affordable high street trends adorned the catwalk show. It is said to be the most digitally advanced show ever in fashion history which allowed the high street captain to keep its shows current and technologically exciting. The collection has everybody buzzing at the Tate from the dusty pinks and sequences for party wear alongside some classic grunge like ‘bad girl’ pieces. Topshop proved as fun and flirty as always with an exceptional 21st Century that can only ensure continued success for the renowned high street chain.
90′s vibes at the Topshop unique show at London Fashion week!
Mulberry and Holly Fulton proved amongst the most popular. Industry figureheads and casual spectators alike gathered to support both labels. A swarm of celebrities turned out their support for Mulberry including Alexa Chung, an iconic female in the Mulberry handbag world of course, following the ‘Alexa’. The Holly Fulton collection was cool and collected. A mastermind of geometric prints inspired by the 70’s girl, were whirled up and down on display. The playful collection was striking and different featuring animal inspired logos which she teamed with retro skirts. Each look struck that delicate balance of individual, yet effortless. The mix and match looks were suited to both day time and night time wear.
A media frenzy surrounded each show. Don’t stay in the dark, for rather follow the enthusiasts and fill your wardrobe with the upcoming seasons designs which have proved to cater for every style and taste. Check out the links (containing photos, footage and prints) below to further immerse yourself in the artistically renowned fashion whirlwind that was LFW.
http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/highlights.aspx?seasonid=36&Seasonday=2013-02-19&Day=&videoid=580
London Fashion Week 2013: On the Runways, Front Rows And Backstage
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/8ad9dcec-7c17-11e2-99f0-00144feabdc0.html#slide0
Models do the Harlem Shake in style at Top shop unique
Aoife o Doherty 