After a very unsuccessful start to the morning (smashing my Iphone) and frantically pulling out everything in my wardrobe to create a first day outfit. I arrived at London Fashion Week and went to my first show Corrie Nielsen. The show Vestiarium Scoticum drew inspiration from Nielsen’s Scottish heritage, Tartan was mixed with monochrome, drawing inspiration from the Scottish Highlands and juxtaposing this with gothic undertones, in which taffeta and tulle were used. Heavily draped, dramatic Jackets were placed with simple pencil skirts, the looks were finished off by the work of theatrical milliner Emma Yeo, who used lace to adorn faces and headpieces.
I then headed straight to Vauxhall Fashion Scout to see the Fam Irvoll show, as the lights dimmed ghostbusters played overhead (all I could think of was Jedward, I hate to admit). The collection was inspired by childrens movies from the 1980′s that the Norwegian designer had watched during her childhood. Pastel colours were mixed with hints of neon on oversized jumpers and blazers splashed with acid monster prints. The collection was both womenswear and children so part of the show saw 6 year olds skipping along the runway and sticking their tongues out, very cute and playful.
During the afternoon I watched Zoe Jordans show in the Embankment Gallery at Somerset House, the collection was inspired by ancient Andalucia, the pieces were elegant and sophisticated with cocoon like silhouettes in coats and deep burgundy dresses that had lace skirts contrasted with leather. I spent the rest of the day at Vauxhall Fashion Scout to see the much anticipated Merit Award show, designer Nova Chiu who has recently graduated from the course I am currently studying on, at London College Of Fashion (BA Fashion Textiles). Chiu encompasses rich embroidery in her work in vibrant colourful ways, taking inspiration from the use of unusual material choices.
Georgia Hardinge’s collection was based around her signature resin cast techniques and drew inspiration from the work of artist Rachel Whiteread. Hardinge has become synonymous with the use of sculptural silhouettes with innovative prints. The concept behind the collection was to reflect on Whitereads’s focus on sculpture and negative space. Hardinge also debuted her knitwear range this season using inventive patterns to complement her mainline and echo her design philosophy.
The last show of the evening was Central St Martins MA back at Somerset House, the show ran for over an hour and showcased the emerging design talent of the future. Luke Brooks was the favourite of the evening and was awarded the L’OREAL PROFESSIONAL CREATIVE AWARD at the end of the show. Using techniques such as foam and resin moulding Brooks created a futuristic collection which included statement headwear with the olympic rings incorporated into the design.
The first day of London Fashion Week has ended and I’ve already got a lovely pile of goodies now I just need to plan tomorrows outfit… (which involves a sneaky purchase from the Mary Katrantzou collaboration with Topshop).
