London Fashion Week

London fashion week fired up on February 15^th this month, lasting until the 19^th February. I’m always so jealous of the FROW at London Fashion week catwalk shows. London Fashion Week seems to almost arise from nowhere, it’s quite a hushed event but for those in the fashion world it is anything but a secret. The shows showcased the Autumn/Winter 2013-2014 collections during the spread of the week. I tracked the week during the time of the shows and have picked out some of my favourite designers, collections and their pieces.

Just Cavalli – Some common complaints about Fashion Weeks and ‘straight from the catwalk’ designs is that the collections are not ‘wearable.’ Their definition of ‘wearable’ may be that the pieces are too extravagant for everday life because the pieces are obviously wearable but they are also extremely daring. Not in Just Cavalli’s case! Just Cavalli brought an element of ‘wearablility’ to London last week with its designs. They were casual, fun and vibrant. Their patterned designs ranged from the ‘power’ animals such as the ‘tiger’ and ‘snake’ to royal looking Eastern patterns. A fantastic Autumn/Winter collection from Just Cavalli!

Style Tip: To achieve Cavalli’s look this Autunm/Winter season make sure your wardrobe is youthful and colourful! Stick to the richer and warmer colours like bronze, red, purple, brown orange or gold but also mix it with some monochrome!

Fendi – Fendi went tribal this collection from head-toe! Decorated in fur and enriched tribal colours, the collection was colourful and exciting! The designs are courageous and lively whilst not being too intimidating with excellence.

Style Tip: Get out your furry garments this A/W season like Fendi! Keep it bright, fun and young!

Giles – Certainly amongst the more theatrical shows of London Fashion Week! This collection is captivating, contradictory and clever! The collection was captivating with the disturbing element of the show; models’ makeup was dark and emphasised the darker elements of the show, designs complimented the makeup..However, the show was contradictory with a mixture of angelic designs and fallen angel effect. With the colour palette of the designs, Giles ranged from the darker spectrum including deep purples and blacks to rich golden tones with pressed fabric detailing. Finally the collection was clever because this strange concoction of purity and darkness worked!

Style Tip: To get Giles’ A/W 2013-14 look commit to a floor length gown.

MaxMara – This collection was all about block colour and simplicity. Oversized everything but still with ultimate elegance, MaxMara’s collection is casual and to adopt their style would require minimal effort! Forget jewellery, hats, scarfs and all of that extra fuss and detail because MaxMara has hit the catwalk with pure fabric!

Style Tip: With a touch of sheer fabric, some simple stripe patterns here and there and a handful of fur dashed occasionally you have MaxMara’s look this A/W!

Tom Ford – Ford’s collection experimented with Mexican and Native American embroidery for London Fashion Week. His designs are also geometric and include some animal prints such as the leopard and zebra, with a wide range of colours. The clashing element of these designs is eye catching and brave!

Style Tip:  To get Tom Fords look mix patterns and prints – don’t be afraid of the clash!

Topshop Unique – A lively collection with furs, prints, diversity and a wide spectrum of colours. Oversized garments, crop tops and a laid back, casual feeling is the essence of Topshop Unique’s collection.

Style Tip: Be casual yet stylish this A/W.

Gucci – Think aggression, seduction and fire – all of which sum up Gucci’s collection. With a rich metallic sheen to many of Gucci’s A/W garments and a subtle range of colours, the collection was nevertheless lively and full of substance. Gucci’s collection was all about femininity and power. A common trend throughout the designs included the below the knee hemline and an emphasis on the woman’s silhouette and shape.

Style Tips: Keep it fierce and eye catching, remembering that below the knee hemline for your skirts and dresses is vital to obtain a Gucci look!

Vivienne Westwood – Never influenced by current trends, styles or crazes, Westwood creates another magnificent collection based on her impulsive feelings and emotions. The result? A true theatrical array of designs, both captivating and unique in every way.

 Style Tip: Mix it up like Westwood this Autumn and Winter, experiment with layers, patterns, fabrics and textures to achieve the unique and intriguing feel of Westwood’s collections!

Remember those are just a select few of my favourites from London Fashion Week, needless to say I could have mentioned many more equally fantastic, diverse and creative designers and their collections!

 What were your favourite moments from London Fashion Week? What collection are you going to try and adopt the style of the A/W season?

  So I’ve showed you London, now roll on Milan and Paris fashion week!