UK designers have consistently proven that drab weather and a traditional monarchy do not limit their creativity to exclusively waterproof coats and ridiculous fascinators. Some of the greatest fashion movements in history hail from the island’s ability to rebel from convention and test the norm. Fortunately for fashion lovers, the Spring/Summer 2013 runways are a testament to the country’s unique approach to ready-to-wear. As the fashion weeks unroll, fashion lovers around the world tune in to indulge in conversations of Fashion and trends but also of inspiration and of course there’s a little gossip thrown in there (She wore what?!). Rather than recap London Fashion Week in stale details, we’ve decided to break it down and compare it to the infamous New York Fashion Week. Many trends crossed the ocean, especially those influenced by the arts, but still, London Fashion Week tends to show a greater diversity of innovation.
PRINTS
Similar to New York, prints are projected to be very popular next spring; groundbreaking right? This, of course, comes as no surprise as prints have been very popular for the past couple of seasons. To be fair, some designers are attempting to show more inspired prints and intentionally creating clashing outfits that add a street-style edge to the runways. NYC was filled with more traditional vertical lines and checkered prints (by the likes of Derek Lam) whereas London prints verged on the botanical and whimsically danced the runways.
Top left: Louise Gray; top right: Clements Ribeiro; bottom left: Michael van der Ham; bottom right: Peter Pilotto.
METALLIC
Last season many designers hinted at a metallic movement in fashion by accenting relatively plain garments with boldly coloured metallic fabrics or adding metallic accessories. This week, many designers débuted everything from metallic shoes to metallic separates. Giving the modest hemlines and laid-back apparel a slicked up polish. Although some runways looked like series of Clueless reruns, many of them were very futuristic and sharp.
Top left: Fashion East; top right: Jonathan Saunders; bottom left: Burberry Prorsum; bottom right: Markus Lupfer.
ABSTRACT CONSTRUCTION
From the birthplace of punk comes a cool new approach to standing out in a crowd without writing profanity all over a studded leather jacket. Many designers have taken previously popular cuts like high-low skirts and peplums and reinvented them to make them look fresh and ultra modern. This trend challenges traditional garment construction and promotes futuristic designs in sportswear. It’s no surprise that in the spirit of the Olympics sporty chic littered the runways, we even saw this trend walking the DKYN, Helmut Lang and Y-3 runways back in
Top left: Antonio Berardi; top right: David Koma; bottom left: J.W.Anderson; bottom right: Richard Nicoll.
ORANGE
Every season a new colour is dubbed THE colour that everyone must have in their wardrobe. Orange was seen on some runways in New York (Victoria Beckham fellow Brit) but the colour was more prevalent in London. Orange outfits are generally associated with handcuffs and identification numbers, fortunately, many designers showed the colour in tasteful ways by complimenting the colour with contrasting colours or neutrals.
Top left: Julien Macdonald; top right: Roksanda Illinic; bottom left: Sass & Bide; bottom right: Dion Lee.
Once again, UK designers crank it up with a myriad of fashionable ready-to-wear designs solidifying their reputation as leaders in ground-breaking fashion. My verdict is that while it may not be as bright, eccentric, or brave, the London look is no less chic. And isn’t that what good British style is all about? Stay tuned for more Fashion Week coverage.
UK designers have consistently proven that drab weather and a traditional monarchy do not limit their creativity to exclusively waterproof coats and ridiculous fascinators. Some of the greatest fashion movements in history hail from the island’s ability to rebel from convention and test the norm. Fortunately for fashion lovers, the Spring/Summer 2013 runways are a testament to the country’s unique approach to ready-to-wear. As the fashion weeks unroll, fashion lovers around the world tune in to indulge in conversations of Fashion and trends but also of inspiration and of course there's a little gossip thrown in there (She wore what?!). Rather than recap London Fashion Week in stale details, we've decided to break it down and compare it to the infamous New York Fashion Week. Many trends crossed the ocean, especially those influenced by the arts, but still, London Fashion Week tends to show a greater diversity of innovation.
PRINTS
Similar to New York, prints are projected to be very popular next spring; groundbreaking right? This, of course, comes as no surprise as prints have been very popular for the past couple of seasons. To be fair, some designers are attempting to show more inspired prints and intentionally creating clashing outfits that add a street-style edge to the runways. NYC was filled with more traditional vertical lines and checkered prints (by the likes of Derek Lam) whereas London prints verged on the botanical and whimsically danced the runways.
Top left: Louise Gray; top right: Clements Ribeiro; bottom left: Michael van der Ham; bottom right: Peter Pilotto.
METALLIC
Last season many designers hinted at a metallic movement in fashion by accenting relatively plain garments with boldly coloured metallic fabrics or adding metallic accessories. This week, many designers débuted everything from metallic shoes to metallic separates. Giving the modest hemlines and laid-back apparel a slicked up polish. Although some runways looked like series of Clueless reruns, many of them were very futuristic and sharp.
Top left: Fashion East; top right: Jonathan Saunders; bottom left: Burberry Prorsum; bottom right: Markus Lupfer.
ABSTRACT CONSTRUCTION
From the birthplace of punk comes a cool new approach to standing out in a crowd without writing profanity all over a studded leather jacket. Many designers have taken previously popular cuts like high-low skirts and peplums and reinvented them to make them look fresh and ultra modern. This trend challenges traditional garment construction and promotes futuristic designs in sportswear. It's no surprise that in the spirit of the Olympics sporty chic littered the runways, we even saw this trend walking the DKYN, Helmut Lang and Y-3 runways back in
Top left: Antonio Berardi; top right: David Koma; bottom left: J.W.Anderson; bottom right: Richard Nicoll.
ORANGE
Every season a new colour is dubbed THE colour that everyone must have in their wardrobe. Orange was seen on some runways in New York (Victoria Beckham fellow Brit) but the colour was more prevalent in London. Orange outfits are generally associated with handcuffs and identification numbers, fortunately, many designers showed the colour in tasteful ways by complimenting the colour with contrasting colours or neutrals.
Top left: Julien Macdonald; top right: Roksanda Illinic; bottom left: Sass & Bide; bottom right: Dion Lee.
Once again, UK designers crank it up with a myriad of fashionable ready-to-wear designs solidifying their reputation as leaders in ground-breaking fashion. My verdict is that while it may not be as bright, eccentric, or brave, the London look is no less chic. And isn’t that what good British style is all about? Stay tuned for more Fashion Week coverage.
