london fashion week review

And so we have come to one of the most important blog posts… The London Fashion Week SS15 review, hooray, hooray! I have tried to be a bit more ‘journalist-y’ this time around, and try to think of what the designer was portraying. I read a piece in the Elle Collections A/W issue and it really inspired me, so I hope this is an interesting read instead of ‘I like this and I don’t like this’. (Images via Vogue.co.uk)

ASHISH
RATING: 8.5/10

Ashish always WOWs me… it’s always so fun and interesting and always has a story to tell. This time around the sequins were made into snake skin prints, back to front jeans and little black dresses. For me the collection was like a disco ball meeting a girls slumber party… sparkle with a splash of faux fur and almost pyjama like silhouettes. I loved the show music too, it was probably the best soundtrack of all the shows I watched. All round amazing-ness from this wonderful designer once again. I need those dungarees and Hi Haters top… yes, pur-lease!

BORA AKSU
RATING: 7.5/10

The collection for SS15’ was based upon fairy tales and the deeper, darker sides. I can definitely see what Aksu is trying to achieve with the dress shapes and silhouettes. The mix of beautiful airy fabrics and the sharper structures portrays this well in my opinion. The overlapping details are the perfect touch also. It’s another stunning collection! Love, love, love.

BURBERRY PRORSUM
RATING: 9/10

I love it when designers really set the scene of a collection. You get to understand what you’re actually seeing and Burberry certainly did that. First of all the catwalk was amazing with it’s beautifully coloured illustrations featuring insects and flowers. The countryside and spring time had a strong influence on all the designs. Elements of tulle, denim and feathers were incorporated and it worked wonderfully. The dresses were feminine and sexy in a really subtle way which I adored. I wasn’t too fond on the slogan prints though…

CHRISTOPHER RAEBURN
RATING: 7/10

After watching Susie Bubble Backstage at LFW on BBC iPlayer (I really recommend watching, it’s only 17 mins long!), I was introduced to Christopher Raeburn. I know a lot of bloggers have attended his shows so I’d only really heard of him on Twitter, but I am now obsessed. He seems so cool in person anyway, but his collections are all sustainable and stylish… it’s amazing! In this collection some of the pieces are made from old parachutes in the original colours (PINK!) and some are made from fighter pilot thingy mabobbies (I can’t remember what they are called… well done Tolly!). I love it, the textures, the colours. It’s spot on. Hooray, a collection I love!

FYODOR GOLAN
RATING: 8/10

One of the more striking and colourful collections for next summer has got to be this. The vibrant colours, textures and patterns all flow into each other in the most perfect way. The digital vibes definitely come through, especially with the use of stripes and holographic materials. I’m obsessed with it and I would happily own the whole collection. I would definitely say that patent elements and applique will be a big hit next year.

HOLLY FULTON
RATING: 7/10

As soon as the first model hit the runway you knew it was Fulton’s work, which I think is stopping me from loving her that much… she stays safe every season… I’m not saying I didn’t like the collection, because I did! The use of modern textures and styles with classic and more retro pieces was perfect.. I especially like the patent bandeaus. I don’t really have much more to say… what do you think of it?

HOUSE OF HOLLAND
RATING: 7/10

I have to be honest live stream probably made this collection look a lot worse than it is. I’m going to have to say it that’s it not my favourite collection from Mr Holland, but I do really like it’s vibe, looking at it more closely. Embellished applique flowers, physadelic 70s/60s inspired pieces, holographic skirts, bold yellows and oranges… it’s a lovely mixture. In fact I’m really looking forward to seeing these kinds of styles pop up during 2015… I’m just still not 100% sure that Holland excuted it perfectly… and erm, I think some of the models need some training in walking in heels… yikes!

MARY KATRANTZOU
RATING: 7/10

Change is sometimes for the better but I am still on the fence with Mary’s change from patterns and prints to texture… I would say the collection tells more of a story compared to her previous ones and for me that’s a big improvement. The sharp difference between the greys and more dull (sorry…) pieces and the more intricate and mermaid pieces really encaptured the vision. I’m not going to say I loved it, but I liked it for sure.

SIBLING
RATING: 8/10

This collection for me was an interesting one. I loved it in many ways and in many ways it just wasn’t my taste. It was meant to portray being young, happy and free and I totally see this especially with the striking colours and patterns. I love the use of blue check though, it looks so classic yet in a modern way. Sequins and big puffy tutu skirts… they’re always a winner!

TOM FORD
RATING: 6/10

Well.. well. I definitely see a trend coming for next summer and it’s not summery at all… dark colours, wintery styles in the form of jackets and two pieces. It really is a very strong contrast to what SS is usually about. The collection inspired by the sixties, with classic remakes of designs from the past. For me it was definitely made for A-Listers and posh soirees… the theme was strong and I liked the whole aesthetic but I really hope that colour is still ‘in’!

TOPSHOP UNIQUE
RATING: 8/10

Ahh blimming heck Topshop, you’ve done it again. The thing I love about the show is that it’s always got that chic designer element (the ‘Unique’ part) but then it’s still true to Topshop’s accessible name so it’s wearable too. I can’t quite put my thumb on it though… is it a modern sporty vibe or is it a retro sporty vibe? I think it could be both and that’s awesome to see. The second half was beautiful too, with more tulle (definitely in for SS15… yay!) and of course Cara made everything more amazing. She’s perfect… sassy, stylish and blimming gorgeous.

Well it is fair to say that it hasn’t been my most favourite LFW… the collections just weren’t my taste… bring back colour! What did you think? Let me know your favourite collections and designers I should be looking out for in the comments! I’d love to know! I suppose I will see you next season… (…or in 2 days with another London Fashion Blog Week post!)

Hello everyone! I am sat here with a stinking cold, looking out to clear blue skies, but today I have Part 2 of my AW14′ London Fashion Week Collections Review and I hope you like it! Thanks for the comments on the previous one, and if you missed it, you can read from A-the 1st L (haaaa) here.

London College of Fashion MA: A ‘multiple’ collections show from the MA students at the London College of Fashion. This was the collection that caught my eye. I don’t know who it is by, but I LOVE it. It’s so interesting and so me. I love the mix of textures and prints as well as structure. I love the faux fur too! My favourite looks are the ones in the middle. I love how the blue tartan is ruffled and I love the sort of mesh style coat. Absolutely gorgeous! Rating: 100/10

Matthew Williamson: A new discovery is Matthew Williamson. I really liked his collection with the pastel blue, and I adore the trousers (far left), and I wish I owned them! The print is simple, but the colour makes it way more magical. I also quite liked the embellished dress with the faux fur jacket, very snazzy. Not too keen on the sort of lycra stretchy material though…. Rating: 9/10

Meadham Kirchhoff: I’ve never been the biggest MK fan, but I enjoyed watching the show for AW14. It is a very big mish mash of different styles, from romantic pieces, to gothic brocade, and the metallic pieces. I feel like it’s what a young girl would put on her dolls in her dolls house, and nothing would really match but everyone would praise what she had done to them. I’m not saying I don’t like the collection, but I’m not saying I do like the collection. I will leave you to make that decision! Rating: 7.5/10

Mulberry & Cara Delevingne: The big reveal for LFW was the Mulberry and Cara Delevingne collaboration. As you will know, Mulberry is close to home for me so I was really interested in seeing what the collection is all about and I am so happy! It’s definitely a ‘Cara D’ collection, as all the bags come as rucksacks which is not only practical but also exactly the kind of thing Cara goes for. My favourites are the monochrome camouflage ones, I’d love to have one of them on my back! Rating: 9/10

Peter Pilotto: Hmmm. Hmmm. Hmmm. The reason I am ‘hmmm’-ing is because there was no Mary Katrantzou in the ‘M’ section of this post, and that is because I didn’t like the collection, and that upsets me, so I went out on a search for a replacement and found Peter Pilotto. I had heard of his Target collaboration so was intrigued when I was looking through this lot. I do quite like the pieces. They are simple yet the silhouettes and prints make them stand out. Although I don’t think I could say that I have found a new, better version of Mary K, Pilotto has certainly made me happy by filling in the gaping whole of mixing prints. Rating: 8/10

Shao Yen: Another new discovery! I really like this collection, and I love the mix of styles. It’s not a jumble like Meadham K, it’s a subtle mix. My favourite pieces are the sculptured round skirt and the grey look with the cape. I do feel it is slightly ruined by the faux fur as it adds that element of ‘tacky’ to it unfortunately. It’s nice though, and I will definitely keep my eye on Yen in September! Rating: 8/10

Sophia Webster: Oh my word. I loved her in SS14 and I love her in AW14. Mrs Webster, you go girl! I am obsessed with this collection. The colours and the prints are amazing. The backpack and the wedges remind me of Dolly Mixtures and those knee high flats and those pastel clear boots and those shiny robot heels and all the colour and all of it, and oh my gosh I could go on and on. I LOVE IT OKAY. I LOVE IT. It’s just so nice and I am so glad that pastel is going to still be around for AW14. Urgh, now I just have an urge to save up all my pennies and buy it all, but life and bills and taxes and stuff (jokes, I’m 13). Rating: Infinity/10 (that’s a pretty good rating)

Sorapol: I decided I would feature this collection just because it is so weird but also wonderful. Sorapol’s collections may be extravagant but some of the pieces always make me smile. I could imagine some of these pieces being in Star Wars (there has been a lot of Star Wars mentioned in these posts). My favourite piece is the lace dress in the middle. So beautiful, yet it has that element of sexiness (oh gosh Tolly, #cheese). This collection also reminds me that I need to do that interview with their Creative Director (Daniel Lismore). It’s well overdue! Rating: 8/10

Topshop UNIQUE: This collection is always interesting because it is just so… ODD. It’s like Topshop are trying to be a high end designer brand but it never really works out that well… in my opinion. I have to say though, it didn’t disappoint me too much this time around. I like elements of it like the sheer embellished tops and the ‘LBDs’, but I still don’t really get it. I can see the Topshop vibes running through but to be honest… it’s nothing special. Sorry peeps, but that is purely my opinion! I made a joke (well…  it’s kind of true) where if I was behind Anna Wintour at the show I would poke her on the shoulder and point at the other person if she turned around… just for the LOL factor. Rating: 7/10 

Vivienne Westwood: The last, but certainly not least of all the collections, is… *fan fair* Vivienne Westwood. Oh dear lord of all things fashion, I LOVE IT. It’s not particularly ‘me’, but I still adore it. The models have such charisma and sass (sass to the sass, roll over, roll over – random thing I made up whilst talking to Anna, don’t ask!), and the clothes just add to it. My favourite looks are the monochrome stripe dress and the regal style dress with the red sash. It’s all very Westwood style, but something just makes this collection 100 times better than last AW14. I praise Vivienne, because it really is a beautiful collection. *All hail Dame Westwood* Rating: 100/10 

I hope you liked this final instalment of the AW14′ London Fashion Week Collections. There were a few others which I skipped off the list just because I found them very odd indeed. How on earth is Hunter now got a slot at the shows?! The show was interesting because there was a water catwalk and Dynamo ended the show, but the clothes were not worth speaking about. So there we have it until September! Lets all cross our fingers and toes that I will actually be there at the shows for the SS15 collections… I have a feeling it could be my first LFW! 😀 😀 😀

(All images are via Vogue)

I’m not going to start with the usual ‘If you’ve been living under a rock, you might not know…’ intro, I’m just going to say it. We all know that it is London Fashion Week SS14′. I’ve rounded up my favourite collections from this fabulous week, and just so you know, I did not attend… 🙁 (Images via Vogue UK) *VERY long post warning* < it’s worth it though!

Ashish: I cannot actually believe that I have never heard of Ashish, but it is now one of my all time favourite designers. Uh huh, yup. The collection is full of sequins, and shopper bags. Ashish have said that the collection was inspired by those times when you go down to the shops still wearing the necklace from the night before. It’s seriously, such a me collection. My favourite piece has got to be the ‘ragged’ sequin denim style jumpsuit. I love how this collection is full of different layers and textures. Rating: 1000/10 (hehe)

Bora Asku: I am so annoyed I missed the live stream of this. I was a sleep… -_- It’s utterly gorgeous! Layers and sections of lace and netting, ruffles, plus silk sleeves. I feel like this collection is almost 4 dimensional. It has so much character to it. It sort of reminds me of the Sound of Music, because of ‘the maid’ style skirts of the dresses. I love the ‘pointillism’ detailed print which is featured. Stunning. Rating: 10/10 

David Koma: This might not be the most outrageous collection ever, but, it is sooooooooo beautiful. You might not see it, but in my eyes this is such a thought out collection. It’s so fluid line and structured, and the colour combinations are perfect. I actually smile so hard when I see these pieces, it’s actually quite odd. I also love the sort of ‘guitar string’ detailing which was featured quite a lot. I am just so in love with David Koma’s SS14 Collection. Well done! Rating: 1000/10 (…again)

House of Holland: Gahhh, another amazing collection by Mr Holland. I love the tattoo style prints featured, the brightly coloured checks, and just generally all of it. I love how some of the pieces, are actually 1 pieces, but look like 2 so it makes it look like you have put more effort into your outfit than you have. Clever. I also LOVE the white and orange version of the classic trench coat. Just like Ashish, this is such a me collection. Also, look at that catwalk. LOOK AT IT. So dreamy. Rating: 10/10 

John Rocha: When the first dress set down the catwalk, I was already sold. I love the poppy petal inspired dresses, and the big puffy tulle, oh and the squiggly hats… how cool?! I love how Rocha has really sculptured the silhouette, by outlining it with either petal appliqué or lines on sheer netting (…sorry if you can’t handle the boobies…). I love how glamorous and sleek every dress is. I can definitely see some of these dresses going down the red carpet. Imagine Jessica Alba in the far right dress?! Rating: 9.5/10

Mary Katrantzou: When Mary K launched in Topshop, and everyone went mad for ‘that’ dress, it was like a firework went off. A firework of colour. And, she’s done it again. HOW AMAZING. I want all of these dresses, especially the blue and yellow, and orange, and navy an-. Yeah you get the gist. I love how she has incorporated, ruffles and layers, with silks and patterns. It’s hard to mix so many things which would usually clash together, but if someone is going to do it, Mary is. Rating: 1000/10 (Yeah, you can probably see a theme here)

Orla Kiely: Not a catwalk show, but a presentation. I’m not the biggest fan of the collection, yet alone Orla Kiely, but I like how this has been executed. I definitely think the sales of Moonrise Kingdom will be rocketing when these pieces go on sale, well actually they probably already have. My favourite piece, or ‘pieces’ have got to be the orange 2 piece. I love how it looks, and a panda purse?! CUTE ^-^ I also love the layered polka dot dress and skirt, it’s such a lovely way doing the dotty trend. Rating: 9/10 

Otswald Helgason: WOW WOW WOW WOW WOWeeee. Guys, I think Otswald Helgason may have cracked it. I cannot contain myself. Silk + Prints + Maxi Dresses + Biker Jackets + Turquoise + Pink = ME. It’s such a nice collection! My favourites have got to be the biker jacket and shorts and the blue maxi dress. I don’t really like sheer maxi skirts, because of the fear of flashing somebody when the wind picks up, but the way they have done it, makes it exceptable. Well done lovely ladies at Helgason! Rating: 1000/10 (yeah…)

Ryan Lo: So dreamyyyyy. By far one of the cutest collections. I love how Ryan has mixed both the cute with the chic. I love each and every look, but my favourite has got to be the 2nd one. It makes me feel like I would be the queen of the daisy fields (if that is such a thing) and I could prance round like dah-dah-dah-lah-lah and with bunny ears and all. I lovesssss it. Rating: 1000/10 (Hehehehe)

Sophia Webster: Again, not a catwalk show but a presentation. I found this one via Instagram, and I am a little in awe. It’s sooooo cute! The whole collection is based on ‘Bug life’, that’s why the models are sitting in flowers and greenery. But, guys… the hair. WHAT. I love the pop art style purses! Gahh, it makes me sad for not buying a similar one on ASOS when I had the coinage, but oh well. I think polka dots are definitely going to be a thing in SS14. Rating: 8/10 

Tata Naka: I’d never heard of Tata Naka before LFW, and I now love them. I also, now want to eat candy floss and be at a circus (but not the kind where you get pulled on stage and have to balance on this thing with a sweaty smelly old man holding on to you – this happened to me.). I just love the retro feel of it, but also the nice structured shapes. I definitely think the lovely, Susie Bubble (she follows me on Twitter now, uh huh, fan girling), could rock this collection very very well. Rating 9/10 

Tom Ford: I’ve never really liked Tom Ford as a brand. It just has this feeling of money all over it, which to be honest that’s what it is. But, I did actually really like the look of these pieces. SPARKLE. The one in the middle reminds me of David Bowie in this costume. I love how they are almost walking mosaics. You could almost imagine the models, ripping up the ground and escaping from the cement. I’ve seen a few other collections featuring the reflective sort of style, so maybe it will catch on? Who knows… Rating 8/10 

Vivienne Westwood: Oh wow. You can’t help but laugh.. hahaha! I thought that the other models looked like zombies, but her’s are like, REAL zombies. It’s classic Viv though. She has to make a statement, and she has to make the clothes talk. I love the florals, and the baroque dress (in the middle). British tartan, low cut and gothic looks. Totally Westwood, and totally ‘good’. I like it, especially the models… hehehe! Rating: 9/10

I hope you enjoyed this round up! I’m sorry it was so long but I don’t want it in 2 parts! I will also be doing a little ‘trend expectations’ post, which will be up soon! Let me know your favourite collections in the comments below! WOWOWOWOOWOW I should stop now.