lfw take two

Second day of LFW and the feel was luxurious and earthy apparel combined with more sheer elements and stylised printing. Wild style and plus size were the talk of the day with Mark Fast and Topshop Unique's shows both making an impression on the fashion pack.

Fast again used larger models to emphasise the use of his now famous body-con, sparking the argument of whether plus size should be seen on the catwalk or if the usual skinny girls (which were adversely also used in the Mark Fast show) were mosre acceptable. I personally think that if you want to make a statement then you should follow it through to the end and therefore the use of both sizes was a bit of cop-out... that being said the dresses were wonderful nonetheless!

Topshop Unique's woodland inspired show was another talking point with the autumnal styling taken to the maximum level with antlers, furry animal heads, fluffy 'dragged through a hedge backwards' hair and moth-like eyebrows (all quite reminiscent of Lucian Matis a/w show last year? See my post on this here) Knitwear, sheepskin, woody patterns and furred footwear carried this through to the collection with 90s style maxi skirts (my favourite!) utility tailoring and more sheer pieces that ensure this trend is here to stay for a while at least. LOVE the last shot - that white printed maxi dress is amaaaazing...

Kinder Aggugini wowed with his collection which was inspired by feisty Juliette Recamier, a leading 19th century Salon hostess with a strong persona and equally as empowered style. The result of this was an outstanding collection of soft silk and sheer dress, juxtaposed with uniform style structured jackets.

Round-up of the rest...

Black and gold was THE colour combination for PPQ whilst Charles Anastase showed a more eclectic palette of bright nude-coral, baby blue and browns; all going to show the wide range of ideas and inspirations that made up this fashion week.

Ann-Sofie Back showed sexy slashing and sheer skirts, counteracted by Daks' tailored camel/grey/black studious collection and Mary Katrantzou's printed silk dresses (some with an almost Klimt-style detailing I thought)

lfw day one

Kicking off London fashion week was a minutes silence in honour of Lee McQueen along with a memories wall for buyers, designers and fashion fans to muse upon what made him so special to the fashion world. Day One saw newbies David Koma and Hakaan tear it up with two fully loaded collections. Koma, who has come to the fore for a lot of people through his celebrity-endorsed standout pieces, was hotly anticipated to be showing something special so it was a good job he pulled it off!

In contrast to last season's brights a subdued palette of textured greys and blacks was sent down the catwalk with otherworldly zips, coils and geometric shapes formed in a variety of fabrics from soft wool to edgy leather.

Hakaan was one of my favourites from the first day; new to LFW (at least, he WAS until now...) and with Carine Roitfeld flying in especially for his show, the Turkish designer's show was the hottest ticket in town. Felted wool dresses, leather peplums, architectural folded cutouts and stunning transparency - what's not to absolutely LOVE?!

Bora Aksu was another great in my opinion. His softly gothic body-con was accentuated by the layering of wool on chiffon, giving the look of expertly executed tailoring with the romance of ruffled sheer draping in pastel colours of blue, peach and pink.

Here are my best of the rest...

Felder Felder - structured leather ruffles and pleats

Sexy body con continues at Hannah Marshall

Maria Grachvogel brings Georgia O'Keefe style feminine prints to LFW

Paul Costello - voluminous sheer sleeves, tartan-style check and burnished gold

Serious attitude courtesy of Sass & Bide

rip mcqueen

Just got home and heard the news... Tragic to think someone so talented and vibrant is now gone from the fashion world. At only 40 Lee McQueen had become a staple of British fashion, an 'enfant terrible' done good. I'm sure fashion will mourn his presence for years to come. Such a shock.

nadinoo

Evoking in me the desire to dress like a regal lady from the 20s, I bring you Nadinoo - a unique and sumptuous label of beautifully printed, embroidered and luxurious clothing handmade by extremely talented UK designer Nadia Izruna. With brocade, floral and even peacock feather-style print making appearances, lovely Liberty inspired dresses, camisole and matching knicker sets and silk trousers are all begging to be drooled over. The gorgeous photography is to die for as well, I love the vintage styling that sits so well with the clothes. Wear them whilst running around an old country house, picnicking in a field or lazing about with your lover.

Visit and be amazed at www.nadinoo.com - also available here on Etsy.

holiday, celebrate!

Permanent Vacation is the website behind which a group of very clever creatives based in Sweden. Releasing two collections a year, you can track their moods during the creation process through Nordic woollens to printed romantic balloon skirts. With designing not the only string to their bow, it may be the beautiful photography that captures your heart, the collaborative projects or the open and free ethos that embodies Permanent Vacation. One thing is for sure, you won't leave the site without feeling inspired (and I defy you to not be trying to figure out some way to get yourself a piece of the magic)

***Sale is on now so get yourself there and embrace one of these pieces into your wardrobe - I've personally got my eye on the Lilly skirt and Elfriede dungaree-style dress...