If there’s one event to perk up a dreary, rainy February, it’s London Fashion Week. A celebration of classic British style, combined with the most exciting, up-and-coming designers, LFW is a celebration of the very best of British fashion; from quirky, motorway-inspired handbags to 70s folklore and show-stopping red carpet looks.
Above: Anya Hindmarch took inspiration from the M25 motorway
It has been claimed in a recent report that fashion is the UK’s fifth biggest export, just behind cars. And on the subject of the automobile industry, we always love seeing what quirky designs Anya Hindmarch will come up with. This year proved to be no exception, basing her latest collection, somewhat bizarrely, on the M25 motorway. ‘Warning’ signs were interspersed with fur coats and stoles and softer, co-ordinating shirts and trousers for a subtler look.
Above: Burberry’s A/W15 finale
One of our favourite shows has to be Burberry, for its whimsical take on Autumn/Winter. Think plenty of fringing and folklore prints on long, floaty dresses, complemented by messy, undone hair and aviator shades for a 70s inspired look. As always, Burberry drew many famous faces to its front row, from Cara Delevingne and Sam Smith to fashion heavyweights Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.
For dramatic, show-stopping looks, our pick has to be Issa. Previously favoured by the likes of Kate Middleton, this year Issa showcased some daring, plunging necklines and gothic-inspired gowns for a red-carpet look.
Above: Daring looks at Issa
There were several prominent trends we identified throughout the week. 70s-inspired fashion has been on our radar for some time now, and LFW only reinforced that this trend is here to stay throughout 2015. Flared trousers were all the rage at Topshop Unique, Felder Felder and Jonathan Saunders. Interestingly, and somewhat surprisingly, the most popular colours seemed to be Aubergine-inspired purples and bubblegum pinks, as seen at Jasper Conran and Emilia Wickstead respectively. Contrasting prints and patterns were big news too – as demonstrated by J.W Anderson and, as expected, Mary Katrantzou. Finally, fluffy fur coats and jackets also seemed to be having a moment, with classic neutral shades seen at Sass and Bide and Matthew Williamson and brighter, colourful versions at House of Holland.
Above: 70s-inspired looks at Topshop Unique, Felder Felder and Jonathan Saunders
An overarching theme to LFW remembered the indomitable Louise Wilson, professor of design at Central Saint Martin’s. Not only were many of her former, most successful students showcasing their latest collections, including Christopher Kane, Mary Katrantzou, Jonathan Saunders, Roksanda Ilincic and Simone Rocha, but LFW began with a memorial service remembering the late professor.
Now over for another season, the A/W collections seen at this year’s LFW have already got us inspired for the year ahead. Once one fashion week comes to an end, though, another begins; and luckily for us, we now turn to Milan for the final fashion week of A/W15.
