Day Two London Fashion Week

Despite wanting to sleep for longer after the craziness of yesterday, there's no rest for the wicked or fashion obsessed. I had an early presentation to attend near Oxford Circus. Orla Kiely has started to design womenswear after years as a successful accessories designer. Her collection was perfect for every conceivable spring/summer event, I especially liked the olive and pink polka dotted dress and matching bag.The set was all hearts and flowers, colour pop cool. I had time to have a quick look around Liberty and swoon over the shoe boutique before heading back to Somerset House to check out the latest catwalks online. The morning saw Barbara Casosola, Sibling and Julien MacDonald, with not much time to eat before Holly Fulton, J W Anderson, House of Holland and Marchesa spanned the afternoon into the evening. I had a true SATC moment when I took a two minute rickshaw ride from Somerset House to the stunning One Aldwych hotel bar for Fashion themed cocktails, a much needed oasis of calm in the fashion storm.

Let's recap shall we?

Julien MacDonald

The beginning of the show saw a plethora of below the knee body con dresses in a variety of colours, with a bigger emphasis on graphic prints than in previous collections. He threw a curveball with a modern bridal look in the middle of the show, and left his comfort zone with a couple of frilly body/swimsuits. For me, the highlight were the final few looks of the collection, floor length gowns with beautiful embellishment and a final bridal look. Expect to see many on the red carpet soon.

 

Sibling

This one of the stand out shows of the day in the originality stakes. The giant hair bow took centre stage, often taking attention away from the clothes. Aztec prints in monochrome and orange/black, sheer, shearling and  lots of skin were the main themes, with x marking the spot to keep the model's modesty intact.Truly of the moment.

J W Anderson

Following the Sibling show, headwear yet again dominated, with a floppy black sunhat/beekeepers hat completing most looks in this out of left field show. Leather dominated the material selection, with mini suits and camisoles being the stand out pieces., as well as belts which were almost the same size of the skirts. It had a slight nautical feel, with rope being involved on sculpted tops and dresses. People may be concerned about its commercial potential, but for one am not worried. He knows what he's doing.

House of Holland

Mr Holland started the show with a 60s vibe which is so current right now, with harlequin style colour blocking, fringing and a flower motif. He layered print dresses over loud shirts, and paired metallic holographic skirts and shirts with his signature explosive print on top for added effect. There were lots of two pieces and slightly flared trousers paired with matching tops, extending the 60s vibe into the 70s. He ended on a high point, with a flurry of fluorescent neon.

   

Tomorrow is a big day - Margaret Howell, Mary Katrantzou and Jonathan Saunders!!!!