Walk, Walk Fashion Baby…
This is the third post in a series on London Fashion Week. Make sure to check out are previous posts here and here.
 | Rebecca |
Attending London Fashion Week is a huge milestone for any self-proclaimed fashionista, so when Charlotte and I visited Somerset House to pick up our ‘Exhibition passes’, we were more than a tad excited. Armed with a camera, iPad and clipboard we entered on a mission: to feel the true fashion experience, to attend a show and to find some seriously stylish people.
When we first arrived, we bumped into the one and only Henry Holland. From his sassy suspender tights collection to his funky Debenhams range, Holland always brings an element of fun to the catwalk with cute retro prints and accessories. It seems our beginners luck was definitely a sign of good things to come.
Entering LFW was equally overwhelming. From the huge LFW screen to the sky scraping stilettos and big egos, I knew it was going to be a memorable event. Despite the feeling of initial intimidation, most of the LFW staff were so accommodating, especially the ‘Fashion Doctors’, or support staff, as I like to call them.
Once we had our blogger passes, we were raring to go and went exploring. The first stop was the British Fashion Council (BFC) Lounge in the main tent. This tranquil stop gives British designers the chance to promote their collections, and the walls were filled with striking posters of fashion retailers, which fund and support talented up-and-coming British designers.
Once we found our bearings, it was time to hit a catwalk. After taking a peak at the schedule, we decided to give the Antipodium show a shot. Described as ‘tongue-in-chic fashions for the modern girl about town’, this London-based Australian’s label instantly caught my attention.
While waiting for the show to start, Charlotte and I went on a snap happy conquest, taking pictures of quirky bloggers and assistants at Antipodium, which gave us a clear understanding of the prominent trends for Autumn/Winter that are in full force, and I’ve concluded that leather separates, midi length skirts, peter pan collars, anything ‘berry’ coloured, sheer pleated maxi skirts, pussybow detailing and masculine tailoring. The inspiration of people watching is sometimes as good as watching the catwalk itself.
Once the show began, the models swiftly made their way around the runway, so everyone could feast their eyes on the intricate detailing of the collection. On first impressions, the collection was extremely feminine with soft shades of white, beige, green and pink in lacy, floral materials, and yearly fashion classics such as the trademark beige mac, khaki parka and black lace dress made a welcome appearance.
After the show, it was a real privilege to see some of the models back stage posing for photographs and having their make-up retouched. It was refreshing to see the broad range of ages of the models, which serves as a reminder that whatever your age, it’s always possible to look chic and stylish. Age is just a number after all.
After a fun, but hectic, morning at LFW, it was finally time to head back to the Groupon office. After meeting seriously stylish people and watching the Antipodium show, we’ve come to the conclusion that style and fashion comes down to the person – it’s not what you wear but how you wear it. Some of the best dressed people we bumped into were dressed in Topshop, Office and H&M but had the imagination and initiative to make tweaks that made their outfit look flawless. I’d definitely love to go to LFW again because there’s nothing like it for fashion insight, prestige and inspiration.
 | Charlotte |
When it comes to fashion, it pays to keep all your senses on red alert!
Hearing: To signal the start of a runway show, a loud blast of classical music plays with no warning, and then the models come out swiftly walking to the rhythm of the music, remaining stoic and emotionless – the face of every good model. It’s at that moment you realise there is no going back, interrupting or leaving the show.
Seeing: Audience members, including myself, were shocked and amazed by what they saw at Fashion Week. Models of all ages present a visual explosion that people are privy to, as was the case at the Antipodium Show I attended yesterday. The runway showcased Geoffrey J. Finch’s work, and the clothes are elegant, sophisticated, light and colourful as they flowed off the models. Completely awe struck, I couldn’t close my eyes because I wanted to absorb every outfit from the hair to the shoes and how they were constructed.
Smelling: I hate to be cliché, but London Fashion Week smells like money! I was surrounded by designer bags from Michael Kors to Gucci, Chanel sunnies, Hermes loafers and people that just look extraordinary and like they belong in a magazine. The spectators, designers, photographers and stylists are as much a spectacle as the models strutting the runway. It’ was an absolute pleasure meeting Laura Chatteron, pictured with me on the left, a London-based stylist and writer. Make sure to check out her site!
Touching: As much as I wanted to reach out and touch the clothes, I had to remember that each piece was a piece of art, and Fashion Week should be treated like a living and breathing art gallery, so that meant no food or drinks, and especially no touching! The closest I came to touching any outfit was with the Social Media Manager of Groupon UK, Rebecca, and then a picture with Henry Holland at the entrance of LFW. I hope he was touched by my giggly star stuck out burst!
Tasting: I love food so I have to mention this: there is a fabulous café, Tom’s Kitchen, set up by Tom Aitkens at Somerset House. Biting into my first Michelin star muffin, which was so huge it has taken me all day to eat, the one word that stands out is divine. This double chocolate chip muffin was melt-in-your mouth fantastic from the first to last bit. It was one of those unforgettable edible type souvenirs (even if it is Fashion Week)!
For me, fashion encapsulates every sense into one amazing experience. Today, I had a multi-sensory experience and feel grateful and honoured to be given the opportunity. I did unfortunately miss Kanye West by only a few hundred meters as he seemed to be in some sort of exclusive high security VIP tent, which us mere mortals could not even get close! Stay tuned for my next adventure, this London Girl has a lot more of London to show you!
I like both of your outfit!
Gorgeous
Vanesa