LFW AW14 Round Up

The AW14 season is nearly over and I have been completely swept up with the glamour of it all, apologies for my delayed round up. It has just been far too exciting.

Fashion Week, was muted this season, but nonetheless a brilliant one. There was a definite ‘Scandi’ aesthetic, clean silhouettes and monochromatic palettes, punctuated with Oranges, Mustards, Crimsons and Canary Yellows. I had a wonderful time discovering new labels, being refreshed on the Shopcade bus (all such lovely people!) new obsessions and new colours for my wardrobe. It was also heartening to discover, my love for black, grey, and beige will not have to be out of vogue for the colder months to come.

My Ones to Watch (of course) did not disappoint.

 

Daks, celebrating its 120^th birthday kept true to its traditional edge, and its distinctive check was threaded throughout the entire collection. Colour blocking was strong with this; separates matched in wonderful shades of buttery camel, soft blacks and sumptuous wines with a hint of gold threaded throughout. There was (unsurprisingly) a military theme with their beautiful warm wool outerwear selection; all which I could happily crawl into and live in forever. Overall, it was a wonderful collection from a truly British institution.  

Hunter’s First foray onto the catwalk also proved to be a very British affair; gumboot greens and useful khakis were updated in modern, water repelling fabrics that make you wish the unwholesome weather of late would be an all-year round affair, just so you could wear the signature cape all day. Traditional, functional garments are updated with a sartorial twist, Fisherman’s jumpers are given open backs, minis are updated with waxed fabrics and jackets are relaxed with neoprene touches. A very solid catwalk debut in my opinion!

My love for Preen has not abated after their glorious collection. I am a fan of layering. I always have been and this collection seemed to be made specifically for me. Belted coats with thick, warm fur collars, colour blocked separates with a hint of a rather intriguing heavy pattern and ORANGE, I have just gone dizzy from the excitement of it all. The coat, the glorious orange wool coat, I lust for it and want to layer it with black in differing textures. I am a particular fan of the screen prints found throughout the collection (as I am of course a not so secret Star Wars super fan) and will try my best to get the white button up in my personal collection before everyone else!

The reigning kings of pattern also were a wondrous occasion. The acidic coloured furs and geometric crimsons prove Peter Pilotto is here to stay. Stripes and angles incorporated into the silhouette of dresses are nearly always flattering and the complimentary colour scheme demands you attend all the cocktail parties in these outfits. I am a particular fan of the knitwear offering which was intelligent, bright and fun; all the things you need when it is painfully cold outside!

There were of course the big hitters, Burberry with their rather slouchier silhouette this season, I have no doubt monograms will be everywhere now and I do really, really want one of THOSE Capes with my initials on, who wouldn’t? Mulberry’s announcement also provided a jump for joy. Quilted leather and cute backpacks are here to stay especially if the model du jour has helped to create the collection. Another reason to ‘want, Want, WANT!’

This season also provided me with a few new favourites, ones I will be keeping my eyes firmly on. Flavia La Rocca. AMAZING simple, structured garments in a neutral palette, with zip details. This is THE one to watch if you are looking for chic, casual work wear. I want it all! Buba London is also on my radar of wonderfully eccentric accessories. Wonderfully detailed, vintage aesthetic of the label are perfect, an Aztec/Art Deco theme here that is inescapable and perfectly suits a simple palette or loud ones alike. Another Quirky and fun label I spotted during fashion week was Liz Black. A tongue is firmly planted in cheek with a label that is interesting, beautifully cut and fun. It is easy to forget that fashion should be fun and this brings it right to the forefront. A particular piece that makes me smile is, of course the Lip Dress. You cannot go wrong if you’ve a giant pout in your mid-section!

So there you have it. That was London Fashion Week in a nutshell. Bring on SS15 in September, I am ready for you! (clad in my Peter Pilotto button up and Preen coat!)