London Fashion Week highlights

I didn't go to London Fashion Week this year. I never have and don't think I ever will (the chances of me ever receiving an invite to a show being a million to one!). But that's ok. Even though I'm chained to my desk in a 9-5 London office job, I still love following LFW and admiring from afar. To me it doesn't matter if I'm physically at the shows or not - I still find them inspiring. Some looks are obviously more wearable than others... but those that are less so, can still be respected as the works of art that they are. Here are my favourite SS16 collections this year:

Julien Macdonald

Julien's collection for me felt very Game of Thrones, and showcased a strong and powerful woman. His metallic dresses were like armour -  but with a slinky and womenly silhouette. I always find the cut of his dresses incredible - he really understands the female form and how to dress it.

Burberry 

Burberry always features the best coats. But as well as the standard shearling jackets and long coats that I come to expect each season, this season also featured some eye-catching prints with jewelled, metallic details. I especially love the mini dress that looks as though it took its inspiration from a stained glass window.

Holly Fulton

Oh Holly Fulton, I dub thee Queen of the Prints. And oh, that black and white shirt though <3

David Koma

My favourites from the collection included beautifully tailored grey jackets, wrap around skirts and dresses, and spaghetti straps. My top picks? The long grey coat and the black long sleeved off the shoulder top worn with leather trousers.

Alexander McQueen

When I think of McQueen, I usually expect a gothic collection mainly comprising of lace and  black clothing. So the McQueen SS16 collection with it's nude colour palette surprised me. The collection remains edgy, but also has a romantic and ethereal feel. I loved the intricate details of the embossed nude coat and the metallic dress - both of which are pure art.

Topshop Unique

If I had to summarise in a few words... socks worn with heels,over-sized jackets and coats, checked prints, and fur stoles slung over camisoles. My favourite look has to be the over-sized checked blazer worn with the leather trousers - the heels and cropped camisole giving it just the right amount of femininity.

Which was your favourite collection this year?

** Image credit: London Fashion Week website **

London Fashion Week A/W highlights

London Fashion Week officially came to a close this week. Whenever next season is showcased it can feel a little odd as usually the current weather conditions rarely match that of next season (we're meant to be entering into S/S for gawd's sake!) But as London has been so bitterly cold lately, seeing the A/W collections has been really inspirational about how to dress during the big freeze. These shows were my favourites:

Julien Macdonald

Julien's collection rendered me speechless. All the glitz satisfied my inner magpie. The mixture of textures kept his creations fresh, and the cut of his dresses... incredible - he really understands the female form and how to dress it.

Burberry Prosum

Burberry for me is always coat heaven. The sand coloured coat with the stud detailing to the lower skirt? I NEED IN MY LIFE. Fingers crossed, the likes of Topshop and Zara will come up with an affordable dupe!

Felder Felder

Their ox blood colour palette? SWOON. Never before would I have considered wet look trousers in this colour but now it's all I'm thinking about. Although admittedly I would pair this with black / white / grey rather than going out head-to-toe in it. Also coveting their knitwear, beautifully patterned dresses and long cape-like pieces full of movement.

Osman

My favourite pieces from the collection were adorned with gold embellishment. They had such an elegance on the catwalk and the matching cover up was the ultimate trophy jacket. LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

Temperley London

Temperley can do no wrong in my eyes. Time and time again their collections are lady like, elegant and timeless. I am never disappointed. I can but dream of owning these four dresses:

Which was your favourite collection?

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My top picks from London Fashion Week

Firstly many thanks for all your get well wishes. I am starting to feel human again which is nice. I realise London Fashion Week is over now and that this post may be seen as “old news” but whilst I was bedridden, I followed as much of it as possible online and I just had to share my favourite pieces with you. My favourites this time round include:

Jena Theo

I love the super hero mask look – it makes the collection so edgy and “in your face”. I also have serious hair envy – I love the relaxed, boho vibe that the hair stylists created on the models. There is something quite animalistic about this collection and I adore the drama and the dark colour palette used. I live in capes / shawls and Jena Theo’s cover ups just look so comfortable and practical for everyday life. And this is an achievement in itself, as not everything seen on the catwalk is practical for us mere mortals.  

Matthew Williamson

I am a girl who worships Aztec print and Matthew Williamson’s use of colour for his dresses is just incredible. His blue version would go with the turquoise jewellery du moment to perfection. And the coral Aztec dress is so inspiring that it would break even me - of all people - out of my dark colours style rut (I live for black clothing). And how cute is the jacket? I love the use of lines and I can imagine it flowing in the breeze with every step I take.

Sass & Bide

Sass & Bide have a real tribal feel to their collection featuring vibrant orange hues that are trending and oh-so-hot right now. I am seriously smitten with the patterns on show – I would love a poncho / bed jacket / cape like this. I am in love with the burnt orange / rust / not sure what to call it / colour that was prominently featured. It’s not a colour that I’ve worn before, but I’d love to own those shorts and that one shoulder knit dress.

Temperley London

My absolute favourite. But then I’ve always been a big fan of Temperley. I love this collection as it looks so wearable – I can actually see myself wearing most of it (if only I had the money!!). Bear witness to flowing, silky fabrics (gotta love that champagne coloured dress!) and the intricate attention to detail of the embellishment combined with sheer fabrics. My favourite piece? It’s a difficult choice… But I am crazy about the white belted dress.

So, what’s new in my life?

• My cape / poncho obsession has reached a whole new level. I bought not one but three this week from H&M. Awful.

• Tesco now officially hates me. I spent £2.04 on a magazine and some chocolate and paid them with a single pound coin and the rest of it in two pence pieces. My purse is happier and much lighter for it though.

Images from LFW A/W 11