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.
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!)
