According to the most recent edition of Drapers magazine, since the point of taking over at the British Fashion Council, 18 months ago, Helen Riva has managed to bring London Fashion Week – with the help of sponsors – from the point of nearly declaring bankruptcy to the brilliant success that it was this season. Seriously….even my Aunt who hasn’t really got a clue about fashion week informed me over the weekend of some of the highlights from the past week. So what does this mean? The PR was fantastic and the exciting buzz was felt by many! Apparently Riva, wants to put the swing back in to LFW and intends to make the event an important part of the “city’s cultural calendar” so I guess we can expect bigger and better things come February.
Well…..I for one have to admit that in comparison to past fashion weeks the city has had to offer, this has been the best one for me and for many attendees whom I spoke with. Not least because of all the international faces that made an appearance such as Anna Wintour (US Vogue), Anna Piaggi (Vogue Italy) and Marvin Scott Jarett (Nylon). But more so because most of the designers both On and Off schedule had something exciting and fresh to say about what we should be wearing next Spring/Summer, i.e. Safari chic, African/Embroidered prints, Deep pocketed dresses, Cinched Waists, Tuxedo Jackets, model Erin O’Connor…just kidding….but did anyone else notice her attendance at quite a few of the shows this season?
And so it ends…but there are still a couple of shows which deserve a mention. LFW rounded off for me nicely with a “cherry on the cake” presentation from Allegra Hicks on Thursday evening at The Royal Academy. Amazing, amazing, amazing! The atmosphere was unusually relaxed (it’s most probable everyone was worn out, I know I was) and keeping in line with most of the trends that have slowly emerged from the week, Hicks presented a collection perfect for a beach holiday filled with kaftans, denim shorts, cotton shirts and midi length jersey dresses. It was in a word….fantastic!
And now the dust has settled everyone keeps asking which show I’d call my favourite….big names aside the presentation which stood out for me had to be the debut from Felder Felder (a design duo made up of twin sisters and Central Saint Martin graduates Annette and Danielle Felder). Held at Vauxhall Fashion Scout – an inititative helping emerging talent – the collection which focused on mixing hard and soft materials was received with a rapturous applause!
What I’ll miss the most? The Daily Rubbish……a daily newspaper handed out at the shows, filled with lots of useful info and witty articles. It was an absolute god send when I was in need of something light and funny to read when travelling to and from shows.
And the highlight of the week? Well aside from the model who lost her shoes (Oh the shame!)…..
it’s got to be Prince’s surprise performance at Matthew Williamson…..how I wish I’d been there!
