LFW Exhibition…

Today I fell in Love with fashion all over again.

Not that I ever really fell out of love with it, exactly, but today was an incredibly real reminder of all the reasons why it’s worth loving…

LFW was buzzing, as always. In fact, it’s mental. Everywhere you look, beautiful people (who are unfeasibly tall) glide through the grand corridors of Somerset House beside slightly eccentric looking, incredibly important fashion types – who you know you know but don’t necessarily know why you know them. There is a DJ playing the coolest tunes in the bar, accompanied by a soulful, sweet guy playing the trumpet. There are gorgeous men with over-styled hair sipping champagne next to skinny blondes…there are people dressed in black swiping your pass at every door…and then of course there are the clothes.

Ahhh, the clothes.

Now, I’m no fashion expert. I’m just a Little Lady who loves clothes. But this is what I saw…thought…felt and loved. The common palettes were black, nude, gold and purple. Shoulders are still big. Structure is in. Collections, on the whole, are wearable. It’s a great year for fashion!

PPQ

One of the most wearable collections we came across. Entirely made up of black and gold structured shapes, I adored almost every piece, especially the ostrich feather hooded cape (100% FABULOUS!) and the velvet panelled LBD. Other fabrics included brocades, satins and ruffles. The other great thing about PPQ’s collection is the variety of shapes available; short, long, tight and wide, they’re all there. If you’re looking for luxurious but wearable outfits for AW2010, head to PPQ. I was super-impressed.

Antoni & Alison.

I’ll correct myself. This should read the DIVINE Antoni & Alison (MBE). It was an absolute delight to meet these fashion legends; two of the nicest Designers I have ever had the pleasure to meet. The atmosphere in their show room was intimate and friendly; the duo themselves so incredibly British, yet so incredibly welcoming it was a pleasure to be in their company. Antoni took the time to explain the inspiration behind their eclectic, intelligent A/W 2010 collection; a story of smoky, Soho jazz clubs, Marlene Dietrich songs, a beautiful young singer and the idea that maybe, just maybe, she was capable of anything. From there, Antoni & Alison developed this fabulous character; a girl who likes nature, knits & sews, collects vintage clothes, grows her own vegetables, does martial arts and is very, very good at maths…and “How Can I Be You” was born.

Each piece in the collection is created in a way that illustrates aspects of this character; there are silk dresses that are lighter than light to the touch, but from a distance look like they are chunky knits. There are tweeds and wools and light and dark…it’s individual but entwined…clever. For me, the stand out pieces are in the Soft Anarchist section, but whatever you are and whoever you want to be, there’ll be a piece for you.

Irwin & Jordan

I think I just found a new favourite label. Every piece in the Irwin & Jordan collection was absolutely stunning; my favourite collection of the day (by far). From soft silk and jersey vest tops with stunning prints to buttery soft leather jackets to 3-piece suits made from Saville Rowe fabrics, every piece I saw & felt rocked. Nothing more to say other than….A-MAZ-ING.

Felder & Felder

I have always been a fan of Felder & Felder, and this season is no different. A/W 2010 inspiration comes from Nightmare fantasies, heroines and tomboys” and the Gothic influence is obvious; think Leather corsets, ruffles, chains and hard edges, primarily in black and nude shades. This is rock n roll fashion with edge, and studs. The clothes are amazing…but in my opinion…the accessories are even better. Huge leather cuffs with studs and chains and beautiful leather belts made it to the top of my wish-list for sure. Loved it.

(Elsewhere, Felder & Felder also teamed up with Triumph to create an underwear collection that is rumoured to be pretty special…but I didn’t get to see it. Sorry!)

Rodarte

One word. WOW. A selection of the shoes that have been used by designers in the show were on display. I loved the candle wax heels. Oh heels….I miss heels.

Bryce Aime

The palette was black, ash, purple and burgundy, the designs unusual. Leggings with structured feet; curved hemlines; zips everywhere. Layers, draping and graphic prints were the order of the day. The inspiration for the collection came from Ancient Egypt, allegedly. Personally, I felt more of a futuristic vibe…but hey, what do I know. The clothes weren’t for me…but the talent unquestionable.

BodyAmr

I hold my hands up. I had never heard of BodyAmr. But as even Vogue described the label as “one of the best kept secrets of Fashion Insiders” I don’t feel so terrible about it. One thing, however, is for sure…this label is fantastic. I’m talking evening wear at its absolute best; glamour at the highest level. From rocky little black dresses with matching biker jackets to floor sweeping white gowns that would look perfect on any red carpet, this is the first designer I would look to next time I get invited to an Awards Ceremony. Beautiful.

Tata Naka

This was an interesting one. The collection literally has a little bit of everything, and in all honesty, some ideas work better than others. We’re talking leopard print next to florals, jewels next to stripes. Some pieces were truly fabulous, others not to my taste. As I say. Interesting…

I’d love to hear your thoughts on these featured designers….please do comment below!

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JJ - Editor

Londoner. Excessive Tea Drinker. Foodie. Party Goer. Geek. Email jj@thislittleladywenttolondon.com.

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