The best of London Fashion Week 2011 ~ The Fashion Buzz

Thursday, February 24, 2011

The best of London Fashion Week 2011

The most prestigious event in the UK fashion calendar has been under way this week, and what a week it has been!

Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it to London for Fashion Week, but I made full use of the live streaming that was available and I was extremely impressed by the shows and collections that I witnessed. The ceremony was opened by Samantha Cameron who is not only the most stylish lady in Politics, but she is also the Ambassador for the British Fashion Council.

She wore a black Mulberry dress, black Sykes blazer and black LK Bennett heels as she announced that “fashion is one of the most important industries, full stop. I’m passionate about fashion, I love it, but it’s not just about how it makes people feel about themselves, it’s because of what it can do for our country."

Day 1 paved the way for the entire week as some gorgeous collections were showcased. Paul Costelloe's Autumn/Winter collection consisted of colourful tweeds, metallics, plaid and herrington worked into casual skirts, dresses and coats. The end products resulted in completely wearable pieces that are bound to be imitated by the British high street come this Autumn.

Paul Costelloe

Sass & Bide brought some colour and fun to the runway with their outlandish carnival-esque capes and feather lined shift dresses. Tribal patterns and bold colour popping really reflected the Autumnal colours and multi-layer wraps, trailing skirts and maxi dresses are great alternative to usually boring Autumn/Winter wear.

PPQ's collection was one of the talking points of the day as the models looked utterly purr-fect in their feline inspired head gear alongside tulle trimmed shoes, dark pencil skirts, blouses and sophisticated tailoring in jackets and dresses.

Sass & Bide

PPQ

Issa London and House of Holland were two must see shows, both full of colour and vibrancy. Issa London showcased earthy prints alongside bright and rustic colouring. Many sheer skirts and dresses in bold scale patterns made their way down the runway as colour pop hats and tights accessorized A-line skirts and maxi dresses.

House of Holland was a kaleidoscope of clashing patterns and prints, with wide legged trousers, crocheted skirts and dresses and fun stripy socks being just some of the highlights of the show. It was also a pleasure to see new themes emerging in the House of Holland signature tights, this time being bingo ball and alphabet patterns.

Issa London

House of Holland

Day 3 saw some of the big guns coming out to play. Mulberry was one of the most popular shows of the day as they transformed the swanky Claridges into a Woodland Wonderland, where they showcased their quintessentially English inspired collection, complete with tan boots, trench coats, leather biker jacktets and floral print dresses.

Dame Vivienne Westwood's Red Label really wowed the crowds with it's zany and eccentric pieces in animal print, colourful stripes and the designers traditional check and tartan print. The models looked like something out of a horror film with most having sprayed and dyed hair as well as what looked like a weeks worth of make-up smudged down their faces. Cardigans, check shirts, mid-length skirts and shift dresses were all completely wearable pieces which I would gladly have in my own wardrobe.

Mulberry

Vivienne Westwood Red Label

The real talking point of the day was the Topshop Unique show which oozed a Cruella De Vil vibe, as models took to the runway covered in Dalmation print. Faux Fur coats and trim was hugely popular alongside blouses, shorts and many different prints. The models all sported animal print chunky heels and 'dog ear' hairstyles.

Topshop Unique

Of course there are a whole lot more shows to choose from London Fashion Week but these are my personal highlights and shows that really stood out to me. The pieces within the collections are all extremely wearable, yes, even Viv Westwood's creations when they are stripped down. I have no doubt that many of the pieces will be making their way into the British highstreet this year and I personally cannot wait to see which pieces from Topshop's Unique collection make it into my own Autumn/Winter wardrobe.