Our greatest hits from London Fashion Week.
By Christene Barberich & Piera Gelardi
The beauty of being dead tired from trailing runway after runway here in NYC, is that it's always followed up like a triple shot of espresso with London Fashion Week. Though past LFWs have exhibited far more vim and vigor, this season still packed a punch when it came to pushing the limits of what spring and summer dressing is all about. There was a fantasy element coursing through several collections, a theme that drifted somewhere between animation and tech-art, and, in some cases, the costumey overdose of trompe l'oeil designs and dollish details just seemed cool. Alas, here are our tops picks from the other side of the pond...
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1. Anime/Video Game Wonderland—Color and fantastical design took on a surreal life of their own in several collections, ranging from graphic to almost op-art. From left: Fashion Fringe, Nathan Jenden, Giles, Basso & Brooke
2. Paper Blossoms—Like the papered florals from a float, these tactile blossoms added an unusually cool play on proportions. From left: Giles, Erdem, Giles, Fashion Fringe
3. Crisp Cigarette Pants—Sharp lines got even sharper with the season's crispest skinny trouser. From left: Sinha-Stanic, Richard Nicoll, Sinha-Stanic, Modernist
4. Malibu Barbie…again—We're convinced ALL the designers get the palette memo, but we liked London's bold spin using color blocking with those same yummy sunset shades. From left: Josh Goot, Richard Nicoll, Josh Goot, Richard Nicoll
5. Tulip Skirt—More tailored than just a full bubble skirt, we liked these for the sharp pleats and flattering waist-lines. From left: Richard Nicoll, Modernist, Luella, Todd Lynn
6. Hip Flutter—We saw these in New York, but London's version is a little more daring than demure. From left: Armand Basi One, Nathan Jenden, Luella, Graeme Black
7. Psychedelic Rainbow—More pretty techy stuff we're liking a lot. From left: Peter Pilatto, Fashion Fringe, Josh Goot, Marios Schwab
8. Lilac—There was something totally dreamy about several designer's choice of lilac: powdery and tame but also a little mysterious fashioned in sporty fabrics and sexy cuts. From left: Louise Goldin, Roksanda Illincic, Luella, Josh Goot
9. Cap-Sleeve Jackets—Nothing is kinder to the upper arm than a cap-sleeved blazer or jacket. We love these. A lot. From left: Todd Lyn, Todd Lyn, Sinha-Stanic, Peter Pilatto
10. Doll Clothes—Maybe a bit theaterish for our taste, but so full of joy, you can't not like them. From left: Eley Kishimoto, Temperley, Eley Kishimoto, PPQ
11. Kimono Stylings—We saw lots and lots of obi belts in NYC and even more straight-up kimono looks in London. From left: Roksanda Illincic, Amanda Wakeley, Roksanda Illincic, Amanda Wakeley
12. Shoulder Cut-Outs—Sexy, sexy, sexy. What's not to love? From left: Temperley, Topshop Unique, Aquascutum, Topshop Unique
13. Crazy Lady—Over the top, under the table. We can't tell which it is, but we still feel a certain sisterhood with this level of eccentricity. So maybe we're crazy, too. From left: Temperley, Topshop Unique, Aquascutum, Topshop Unique
Photos via Style.com.
Our greatest hits from London Fashion Week.