London Fashion Week exploded onto the capital this week, with fashion journalists and celebrities from all over the world descending onto the city to view shows from the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Mulberry, Burberry Prorsum, and Christopher Kane.
The week got off to an explosive start on Friday with Naomi Campbell’s Fashion for Relief Haiti catwalk show. Models included Kate Moss, Alexandra Burke, Nicola Roberts, and even Ronnie Corbett. James Corden and David Walliams also took part, and shared a comedy kiss at the end of the runway.
Despite how lightly the celebrity models took it, the catwalk was an emotional affair. Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and Annabelle Neilson modelled Alexander McQueen dresses, in memory of his recent death. All outfits modelled in the show were auctioned off afterwards, to raise money for the relief effort in Haiti.
Day two saw Topshop Unique take the stage, this collection in particular gives us a great insight into what we can expect to see on the high street in six months’ time. The models came adorned with antlers onto the catwalk, as well as wild hair and caveman like eyebrows. Military continued as a strong theme, but with inspiration from the land girls of World War Two.
Shearling also played a big part in their collection, as well as in many other designers’ shows throughout the week. This is set to be a big trend come autumn/winter, so investing in a coat of this kind is a safe bet and will keep you warm throughout winter. Another trend we’ll all be thankful of come next winter, is woolly tights and chunky knits which also made up much of Topshop’s collection.
Celebrity favourite PPQ stuck to black and gold in their collection, so your little black dress can have many more outings. If you haven’t invested in one yet, what are you waiting for? Team with gold accessories and you’re right on trend.
Sunday saw Vivienne Westwood’s Red Label show and, as ever, tartan and plaid were returning themes. She mixed them with chunky knits and silk. It’s a safe bet that you can keep hold of your plaid shirt that just won’t leave the high street. Woolly socks were worn with the shoes and boots, while Vivienne excelled herself most in the two black prom-style dresses. Pretty, yet still harking back to her punk roots.
The biggest buzz of the week was with Burberry Prorsum, who live-streamed their show across the world on Tuesday. It didn’t matter if you were just a humble, fashion-loving student, you’d have just as great a view as Anna Wintour. You can certainly see why Burberry wanted their show broadcast to as many people as possible, as it is a truly fabulous collection.
Winter coats were the main theme and most were delightfully huge and warm, flaunting London’s biggest trend, shearling. Chief creative officer Christopher Bailey is behind the collection and as well as his heavy use of shearling, he also seemed to be inspired by the wartime land girls. Chunky sheepskin-lined boots also adorned the models feet. We’ll certainly all be warm and still stylish next winter. A great way of achieving the wartime military look on a budget is to raid vintage shops for old wartime jackets.
With some amazing shows and great new trends to look out for, London Fashion Week was clearly a roaring success.