After the success of New York Fashion Week, it is time for London to showcase the latest fashion trends. Burberry Prorsum, one of Britain’s quintessential fashion labels, presented its much anticipated fall collection to a celebrity audience. The perfectly aligned presentation featured narrow-belted flowing dresses in hand painted cotton silk, bohemian trench coats and shearling jackets also splashed with brushstrokes; gauzy scarves complemented the looks. Creative director Christopher Bailey succeeded in his selection of accessories, particularly the Edwardian-shaped shoe-boots.
Actor Bradley Cooper with his girlfriend Suki Waterhouse, photographer Scott Shuman and of course Anna Wintour, were some of the front row guests at the Tom Ford presentation. His collection is marked by three factors: fur, leather and animal prints, not all together though.
Skirt length reaches the knee, combined with the next trend, cowboy boots. Eye-catching matching separates in red crocodile skin, with long sleeves and simple necklines are sure to be seen in the world’s most fashionable streets come autumn. The spectacular collection was a nod to the 1990s.
Meanwhile, Mathew Williamson presented a collection informed by the aesthetics of the 1960s, featuring flared miniskirts and psychedelic prints for evening. The grand dame of British fashion, Vivienne Westwood, knows how to combine pieces that embody the iconoclastic essence of British fashion with a totally contemporary feel. And Paul Smith opted for the pajama look in all kinds of garments, though tweed continues to be his fabric of choice for daywear.
We should also mention Mary Katrantzou´s meticulously produced pieces. Her designs have evolved with the presentation of elegant couture gowns and masculine looking two-piece suits. Without ignoring her acclaimed laser-printed fabrics, she introduced, for Fall 2014, graphic statements created with rich embroidery, Swarovski crystals, lace, and metal in knee length dresses.
House of Holland and its explosion of color with impossible combinations; Julien Macdonald´s evening collection adorned with feathers and gold, silver and green embroidery, and the fun and magical collection of Temperley London have also captivated audiences during London Fashion Week. But one of the most publicized shows was Topshop Unique, which was broadcast live and featured Kendall Jenner sitting front row; although perhaps Marc Jacobs already sensed that would happen, and included her among his main models. That is called cunning marketing….. ■
