It has always been a dream of mine to experience London Fashion Week. (it's been a dream of mine to experience all four, but London especially.) I have been obsessed with British culture since Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging first graced my tv screen in middle school and have always thought they had such a sleek and sophisticated style. When I realized I could experience their fashion week from the comfort of my own bed and own my own schedule, I was beyond excited!
Just like NYC, London had to take precautions due to the pandemic. Most of what was produced was filmed and livestreamed. When a show was in person, it had a small audience and social distancing was strictly enforced. Again, I found this challenged designers and producers to be more creative when creating content. For this season, LFW had a large connection to music, creating "What Does Fashion Sound Like" playlists, partnering with MTV to create to "Music Meets Fashion" Competition, and many designers utilizing music in their presentations. I found that this gave the week a larger sense of unity and showed how fashion can be expressed through multiple art forms. Below I have decided to review just a few of my favorite presentations, but more shows, films, talks, podcasts, and articles can be found on their official site.
Burberry
When I think of Burberry, I usually think of their iconic trench coat. Though, it was still a feature in their S/S '21 collection, this collection was much more than the classic look of Burberry that we've come to expect. According to Vogue Runway, the collection was about the love story between a mermaid and a shark. I'm not sure I picked up on that story, but definetley noticed the aquatic elements including a blue twist on their famous beige coat. There was also use of stones and color throughout the collection which I found to be absolutely stunning. The show was recorded and streamed live. It featured models walking through a forest with men in black suits walking behind them. All models made their way to a clearing were there was a live rock performance a ritualistic dancing. I always love when fashion shows truly are a show. It was an exciting production that kept me entertained from beginning to end.
Temperely London
Temperely London opted for a short, but nonetheless fabulous virtual presentation of their S/S '21 collection. The minute and fifteen second video featured a model dancing around at the beach in many chic, ready-to-wear, looks. Of course wearing evening gowns with stunning sequin detailing is not what most people would wear to the beach, but being #extra as I am, it resonated with me. It might even inspire my next high fashion Instagram shoot. The collection featured a series of plaid looks that Blair Waldorf would adore, stunning '60's inspired boho pieces and beautiful sequin gowns. I found myself wanting every single piece, and will be looking for some less expensive options for the previously mentioned Instagram shoot.
Halpern
While most designers shied away from discussing the effects of the pandemic, that's exactly what Halpern chose to do in his S/S '21 Ready-to-Wear collection. The video presentation celebrated the heroines of the front line showcasing women that were essential workers during lockdown getting dressed in his Avant Garde, bespoke collection. The women discussed their experiences on the front line of the Covid crisis and how it felt getting to dress up in luxury clothing. First of all, it was nice to see real women of all shapes and sizes wear Halpern's stunning pieces. It shows that there are designers that understand how to dress a real woman and that are pushing for more inclusivity. It was also amazing to see these women, who truly are heroines, be celebrated for all they've done during this hard time.
Art School
Yes! Another collection that is all about inclusivity and we love to see it. Eden Loweth of Art School has always been known as pushing the boundaries of gender norms and creating clothing for anyone to express themselves. This pre-recorded runway show did just that including models of every race, age, size, and gender. The utilitarian clothing range was created to show strength in unity. The edgier clothing with amazing attention to detail was showcased in a beautiful garden that showed the beauty of when people stand together. Personally, I love to see designers push the norms of the industry and create true art, and that's exactly what Loweth did.
Victoria Beckham
I couldn't blog about LFW, and not include Posh Spice! She was always my favorite Spice Girl with her sleek little black dresses and chic sense of style. Though, she said she wanted to be distanced from that persona, I believe it still comes out in her collections with her namesake brand. Victoria Beckham's pre-recorded presentation was filmed in an art gallery with only four models and featured a brief discussion on how working remotely inspired the collection. She described the process as "liberating" because she once again found the freedom to create. She also describes the collection as "eclectic" as it captures the attitude of the women she's trying to dress. With 70's tailoring and pieces with sassy cut-outs that attitude was achieved. I would love to rock the jeans featured above while jamming out to "Wannabee"
While, unfortunately, I won't be hopping a plane to London anytime soon, I loved being transported there through these Fashion Week presentations. It's amazing to see how this time of isolation was used to create beautiful collections. In rougher times fashion can be used as an escape and help unite us. Even from the other side of the pond.
To experience London Fashion Week for yourself: https://londoEvennfashionweek.co.uk/
All photos and additional information: https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows
XOXO,
Kristin
Comments