London Fashion Week AW15 Roundup

London Fashion Week is known for being one of the most exciting, surprising, and creatively-stimulating events of the year. This season did not disappoint. There is a kind of thrill in attending the shows of established designers who once were ambitious Central Saint Martins students (think Roksanda Illincic, Christopher Kane, Simone Rocha). Today, they are the highlight of London Fashion Week’s busy Schedule. There is also a crop of new, young, fearless designers who are worth taking note of. If this season proves anything, it’s that London always delivers. As one of the most inclusive fashion capitals, where anything goes, one can find a variety of personalities and aesthetics. These are some of our highlights from London Fashion Week on and off the catwalk.

There’s never a dull moment at London Fashion Week, between shows there are showrooms to explore and numerous popups from new talent, as well as people watching at the world famous Somerset House. Areas at Somerset house were taken over by Maybelline, who were on hand to to perk up wilting makeup and Tony and Guy’s blow dry bar, which is particularly inspired considering the unpredictable London weather.

Amex Insiders concierge desk at Somerset House, came to the rescue of numerous LFW micro-emergencies (including our own), which this time included: sourcing blister plasters for (multiple!) fashionistas with sore feet, running a rail of show clothing through Somerset House to get to a designers show before it started, dog-sitting whilst a guest enjoyed a show and a multi-linguist Amex Insider escorting guests around the shows in their native Russian. The Amex Insiders, sported uniforms designed by Osman topped off with bowler hats, which made them easy to spot in a crowd!

Belstaff

This showroom presentation embodied the spirit of the collection (the official hashtag was #Freespirit). In a room swathed in tarpaulin tents models chatted freely with press and buyers even joining in with the drinks reception. This season the Belstaff woman is strong, independent, and adventurous. Aviatrixes Amelia Earhart and Amy Johnson were the point of reference for this strong collection featuring biker jackets, enveloping parkas, and bulky Chelsea boots. These masculine pieces were contrasted against long feminine chiffon dresses, cozy mohair turtlenecks, and powder blue jacquards.

Aspinal of London x Être Cécile 

Old meets new when London-based fashion brands Aspinal of London and new kid on the block Être Cécile join forces for this collaboration of handbag and accessories. Think quintessential English classics mixed with easy, wearability, and playful aesthetics. The results? A collection of chic fun yet grow-up pieces that will last a lifetime.

Le Kilt

At her first London Fashion Week presentation Scottish designer Samantha McCoach showed a uniform-inspired collection is full of, you guessed it, kilts! She recreates them and gives them an 80’s punk edge. This season she presented kilts in green tartan, dogtooth print, and patchwork checks clipped in with big pins.

Watch the film of the presentation here: https://vimeo.com/121030427

Palmer/Harding

If you’re a fan of monochrome, than this Palmer/Harding collection is for you. The clothes were smart, architectural, and strong. They are the kind of timeless pieces one wouldn’t feel guilty about investing in and, even if everyone in London sported these chic black-and-white separates, they’re the kind of garments that can be styled in a multitude of ways.

The Showrooms

The BFC showrooms at Somerset House are a chance to get up close and personal with ready to wear collections and accessories, as well as popup installations. In the showrooms London Fashion Week stalwar Milliner Stephen Jones showed a collection inspired by a trip to Hatsville, USA. We also tracked down Min Wu and Fyodor Golan’s collections and Joanne Stoker’s shoes.

NEWGEN

Newgen designers hosted an installation and popup space within Somerset House throughout the week. Womenswear designer Sadie Williams showed geometric glitter pieces and each designer showcased a box which they customised for a project with Newgen sponsors Topshop.