Another year of not making it to London. It's sad, but thanks to technology, I didn't miss a thing.
London Fashion Week has once again come and gone. I am truly sad that I could not be a part of it. This year, fashion week was more so a city wide celebration. Designers came together for many exclusive shows and events. Some presented for the first time in person since COVID restrictions were placed. While others opted for digital presentations or look books, many of those hosted fun dinner parties to celebrate their new collections. After everything we've been through, that's what fashion should be... a celebration.
For their Fall/ Winter '22 collections, many designers pushed themselves creatively and really stepped up their game. Of course, I want to talk about the few that really stood out to me.
Daniel W Fletcher
I have loved Daniel W Fletcher's quirky style and amazing tailoring since he was runner-up on Next in Fashion. Being a fan of his, I can say that his F/W '22 Ready-to-Wear collection might have been his best yet. This was because it was dedicated to Fletcher's late father and the ways he inspired him. You can recognize this with the collection's 70's rock influences and the nods to Manchester United. This is because of the shared love of football and music. The scarfs on the football looks were actually created by Olympic Gold Medalist Tom Daley! After looking at the collection, I was ready to throw on a pair of chunky loafers and get my hands on any of the jackets for this collection, so I could channel my inner cool girl (and, yes, she does exist, deep down).
Photos and Additional Information: Daniel W Fletcher, Vogue Runway
Conner Ives
With Y2K trends resurfacing and movies, television, and music from the decade regaining popularity, Conner Ives created the perfect F/W RTW collection. Ives entitled his collection "American Archetypes" in which each look was inspired by a Y2K icon (whether real or a character) that he wished that he was friends with. This gave each look something very individual, so there is truly an outfit for everyone. To make this collection even better, Ives made it all out of vintage and recycled materials, meaning it's one hundred percent sustainable! My personal favorites were obviously "The Vogue Girl", "America's Next Top Model", and "Devil in a Red Dress". If you can't figure out which one is which from the pictures from above, I'm totally judging you. (sorry, as a Virgo, I can't help it.)
Photos and Additional Information: Conner Ives, Vogue Runway
Temperley London
The last thing I expected to see at LFW was a collection inspired by American Western wear, but after seeing Temperley London's collection, I am so glad I did. According to Vogue Runway, designer, Alice Temperley, wanted her RTW collection to represent a new frontier. Specifically, a happier post-pandemic world where we dress up and celebrate again. For her, this translated to a chic take on the wild west. I personally, find this collection to be joyous, fabulous, and sophisticated. My favorite pieces are the long sequin gowns, but truly I can imagine myself wearing this entire collection on a girls' trip to Nashville, and being the best dressed on Broadway!
Photos and Additional Information: Temperley London, Vogue Runway
Halpern
Halpern truly brought Old Hollywood glamour back with his F/W '22 RTW collection. Every gown that walked down the runway seemed more glamorous then the next. However, there was also a bit of the 70's influence on the collection as well. He told Vogue Runway that this collection was as if Angelica Houston from the 1930's movie Madam Satan had found herself in a 1970's party version of the movie. Truly, there are many pieces i know I would love to party in, especially his finale look, a green one shoulder dress with black leather gloves. Though, my favorite aspect of this collection is not really the clothes themselves, but the way Halpern continues to give back. Instead of presenting in a glamorous venue, Halpern presented his collection in Brixton Recreation Center. This particular community center no longer had power, and Halpern realized he could power it for his show, and left them with the tools to do so in the future free of charge. It's rare to see someone in fashion truly give back, but Halpern has made it something consistent for his brand, and I cannot wait to see what he does next both with his designs and for his community.
Photos and Additional Information: Halpern, Vogue Runway
Paul Costelloe
Ever since, I've started following all the coverage of LFW, Paul Costelloe has been a designer that has stood out to me. Costelloe consistently has an amazing eye for detail and presents lines with beautiful silhouettes. This season was his reinterpretation of the Golden Age. It truly looks like a romantic step back in time, and each piece is more beautiful and grander than the one before. The black and gold dress pictured made me want to dress up and go to a ball. This collection is perfect for someone who is over the top, but also appreciates timeless pieces (so, basically me).
Photos and Full Collection: Paul Costelloe, London Fashion Week
Watch It Here and Additional Information: Paul Costelloe, Instagram
For the most part, I admired the designers' creativity and beautifully crafted pieces, but, honestly, as a whole, I was disappointed. Other than Paul Costelloe, I had a hard time finding videos of the shows in full. Looking on the London Fashion Week website many of these shows said invitation only, so it feels like fashion has taken a step backwards. While many in the industry can argue for this exclusivity in this digital present age it's a huge step backwards. For someone like me, who finds inspiration from watching these shows, it's a huge upset. Also many of my favorite designers from London such as Victoria Beckham and Burberry did not present a collection at all.
Now, I do not like being negative and have to say what I could see, I loved. You can tell, just like New York, many of designers are longing to celebrate, which provided many stunning and uplifting collections. In terms of where fashion is heading we might be entering into one of our most glamorous stages yet, and being my #extra self, I cannot wait!
To experience London Fashion Week for Yourself;
XOXO,
Kristin
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