Sorry, couldn’t resist some cliche British banter.  Anyways, I must admit, NYFW had me feeling all glum: everyone got sick, there were tons of neutrals, and I didn’t get to go.  With London’s Fashion week, at least two of those three have changed…I still wasn’t occupying a front row seat, but it seemed everyone stayed healthy and there were COLORS!  As an aside, can I just mention how wonderfully laid out the LFW website is?  Clean colors, easy to find links, well-organized catwalk videos.  Sigh.  Ok, the PR major in me is done.

 

When it came to shows, there was such a whimsical feel to so many, it made it tough to pick a favorite.  The designers featured obviously know how to dress a woman’s body, and while I love my jeans and a t-shirt, if I’m gonna get dressed up I want to look like a fun, fashionable young lady.  And LFW delivered fun, fashionable young lady to a tee.  So, without further ado, my fave shows from London’s moment in the fashion spotlight.

 

1. Sass & Bide

Ironically enough, I start off my list with two Australian designers, not British, but their work was nonetheless refreshing.  With the bright colors and tribal prints, it felt like something one might wear to a late summer/early fall party, or a last hurrah at the beach.  My favorite dress in the collection includes this scarf tucked underneath the belt, which is a trend that for some reason I can’t get enough of.

The collection featured several shades of the booties you see above, which I loved.  See the entire runway show here.  I’m also very fond of designers who enjoy strutting their own stuff on the runway, and I thought Sass & Bide’s leading ladies put themselves together quite nicely in the photo below.

2.  Issa

Known by many as the favorite choice of Princess-to-be Kate Middleton, I went into their show expecting formal, British pomp and circumstance.  What I discovered was absolutely breath-taking.  Brazilian-born designer Daniella Helayel’s collection for LFW was her 10th Anniversary, and so she pulled from seasons past to inspire prints, flowly fabrics, and just the right amount of that Brazilian sex appeal.  Check out my favorites below, or the entire runway here.

Now, I said Helayel included just a little Brazilian sex appeal, but this second look brought a LOT more.  Love the pattern with the chic black slacks.  That’s a work outfit if I ever saw one. 🙂

3. Kinder Aggugini

I must admit, I thought the dye-dipped look had faded (no pun intended) from its former glory, but the Kinder Aggugini show brought it back in full force.  While the bright yellows had more of a Spring feel, I honestly didn’t care.  It was gorgeous, and I would wear it spring, summer, winter, and yes, fall.  Check out the entire show here or just get a glimpse with my picks below.

Beyond just the bold colors, I loved the whimsical flowery print on this dress.  The black accents helped to mature it just enough, and I love that the shape could look smashing on anyone.

So there it is.  I’m not sure if it’s the warm weather I’m currently experiencing, but it felt like LFW was a breath of fresh air.  Is it still wearable for fall?  What do you think?

 

XO,

A