Bi annually, London Fashion Week rolls around and I lose a couple of hours nay days to mind-munching my way through what our clever and talented British design pool have to offer. My brain experiences an overload of fashion lust. I end up with drool down my front, hating every piece of clothing I own and finger cramp from hours of click, scroll, zoom, click, scroll, zoom. It ain’t pretty but I can’t stop.
This season I am selecting my favorite looks from the runway. What I enjoyed most was the few designers willing to try something different rather than let the predictability of a 90’s, masculine theme dominate their collections. I am thoroughly enjoying the 90’s revival in my everyday wardrobe (I am officially old enough to relive a trend decade) but sometimes I need a taste of something sexy and dramatic. Maybe this is why the majority of my favorite looks were dresses? The elegant and ladylike trend stood out for me most, styled exquisitely but Emilia Wickstead.
Gothic Cherub
Just check this swag out; so much crochet, so much Boho, so much romance, SO MUCH SEVENTIES. SSSSwoon. The model is a Gothic Cherub in white knit. I happened to be watching Almost famous on DVD when I was checking out Siblings latest offering for AW 2014. How appropriate, Penny Lane would totally rock most of these looks.
Emilia’s New Look
It was hard for me two choose just one look from Emilia Wickstead’s collection. Oh how she impressed me with such ladylike elegance and poise, in a modern palette of leather, snakeskin and pops of bright colour. I am all about the statement pieces for next season; Dior’s New Look style waistlines, voluminous skirts and I will forever be statement coat obsessed. I may need to invest in some bright, long sleeved, leather gloves as well. It was a breath of fresh fashion among the masculine and 90’s influenced collections that eclipsed most other runway shows.
Fallen Cinderella
Alice Temperly showed a beautiful bridal-like, sheer gown in a champagne hue styled with a casual pashmina scarf, swathing the models neck. Such a beautiful balance between the goddess-like gowns Temperly is known for with a slight nod to the causal comforts of grunge. The look for me conjures up the fantastical image of a fallen Cinderella moment.
The Secret Garden
Mother of Pearl is new to me and fashion week but they told a lovely story this season. I mostly enjoyed their whimsical, Victoriana style prints which showed florals, horses, birds… MOP’s closing piece is what did it for me; a pretty palette of blue dress, intricately drawn prints which reminded me of childhood storybooks, mostly The Secret Garden. Sleeve ruffles with a gorgeously awkward calf length hem, tan socks and slip on trainers in a matching print. So pretty.
Grunge Girl
Happy 25th Joseph! Joseph’s AW 2014 collection made me happy in a comforting way that reassured me they are still good at what they do best, casual-luxe. Cosy knits and staples including outwear and tailored trousers dominated the collection. My favourite looks were the exaggerated knitted dresses with matching beanies and lace up boots. Comfortable, cute, wearable and grungy.
I am slightly crestfallen at not being able to praise Chris Kane and Alexander Wang this season. CK dressed his models in black bin bags and the AW show was like a day trip to clown school. No.
Style Lobster 