The fashion carnival of the last month is slowly drawing to an end this week in Paris. However what a trip it’s been, from New York to London this season hasn’t failed to disappoint.
For many of us London fashionista’s who are about to enter another six months of rain and gloomy dark days, the thought of all the new yummy collections from the SS12 catwalks should at least provide a sorbet and sherbet coloured light to look forward to at the end of the tunnel!
Here are some of the highlights from LFW
MARY KATRANZOU
The big question on everyone’s lips was ‘How could Mary Katranzou possibly beat her previous works of art?’
Well the answer was simple, she simply didn’t try too, and instead this season took a slightly different direction.
The bold prints and colours were of course still the anchor of the collection, but this season the looks were a lot less architectural and instead the collection seemed to have a much more commercial element to it.
New silhouettes also provided a new dimension to the collection with trousers making a debut in the line.
Katranzou referenced nature with the repetitive flower field and enlarged fish scale prints were strangely complimented by crushed car prints inspired by the work of John Chamberlain.
On the “WOWometer” perhaps not as jaw dropping as past collections, but we must remember that only the more commercial and more accessible pieces pay the bills!
JONATHAN SAUNDERS
The only was I could describe this show would be a sorbet delight! Set in a futuristic office space in the heart of Paddington, the scene was set for one of the best shows of LFW.
The looks, the models, the setting and not to mention the iconic 80’s track “Love on a real train” everything just worked.
A 50’s theme carried on when his resort collection left off, full skirts teamed with twin sets and oversized shirts.
Some of the looks reminded me of a modern day Sandra Dee from cult movie Greece, where 50’s prom style had been given a futuristic preppy twist
The graphic digital prints were still a main stay of the show however the infusion of such mouth-watering sorbet colour took them to another dimension.
Saunders who may previously have been know for his show stopping evening gowns has effortlessly infused his aesthetic into chic wearable pieces that although may have more commercial appeal, still seem to embody that unmistakable Saunders signature.
MULBERRY
The Mulberry show is undoubtedly one of the highlights of LFW, if the clothes or bags don’t excite you then head down just to take in the array of A listers.
The likes of Kate Moss, Olivia Palermo and Alex Chung the brand ambassador, all took centre stage at what I thought was Mulberry’s strongest RTW collection to date.
Festival chic seemed to be a theme throughout the collection, while Emma Hill the brand’s creative director confirmed that the strong presence of the parker coat, a kagool was infact a tribute to the good old fashioned British weather!
Perhaps the first collection in history that has celebrated the rain!
As always the collection was fun, flirty and tongue in cheek and lets us not forget to mention the adorable little bulldogs, the Mulberry mascot that always makes an appearance on the catwalk!
My own love affair has always been with the bags, but this year I think it may also be with the clothes. Although that is probably one love affair my bank balance could firmly do without.
CHRISTOPHER KANE
Christopher Kane’s show was just effortless and yet again, his aesthetic seems to morph into something new and fresh but still with that signature Kane underpinning which always brings the look together.
Some of Kane’s pieces with the folds and pleats looked like beautiful pieces of origami as they came down the catwalk.
My personal favourites were the hand sewn 3-d floral organza pieces; you can only imagine the amount of hours gone into producing these little work of art.
Kane has proved himself yet again to be a fashion chameleon, which is a hard challenge to pull off as a schizophrenic approach to design can often leave people feeling you have not yet found your niche.
But as always Kane pulled it off, and it seems a much more sophisticated and refine approach is key to his designs these days, especially when you compare it to his dance hall style debut collection.
Kane has yet again proved he is very “able!!”