My fashion week was short and hectic this season. I was at shows all day on Saturday and Sunday, squeezed into the space between my working week. The best shows for sheer atmosphere were Matthew Williamson and Ashley Isham. They were in mind-blowing locations – the former a sky-top floor of a deserted concerete and glass building, the latter an evening setting in the sumptuous Goldsmith’s Hall. John Rocha was also a treat, with a romantic feeling to the collection reaching a crescendo in the final look – a stunning hot pink gown crafted from layers upon layers of silk. My pick of the collections, however, go to the following…
1. Holly Fulton
I was extremely impressed with Holly Fulton’s offering for S/S ’13. The collection reminded me of a cross between Mary Katrantzou and MSGM (two brands that I love). Inspired by L.A., of course I was going to love it – the fun! The plastic! Can you spot the naked ladies printed on some of the garments?




2. J.W. Anderson
With a Topshop collaboration tucked neatly under his belt the week before, J.W. Anderson has been a busy boy. The collection he showed for next summer added a slightly more feminine touch to his signature look. There are still the typical masculine undertones, but with a ruffle here, a bow there. Plus, he’s cute.




3. Simone Rocha
Ohhhh, Simone. What can I say? The girl can do no wrong. I love her entire aesthetic – the crisp shirt collars, the brogues, the detailing. And every season she does not disappoint. Where can I order the entire collection?




4. Matthew Williamson

Matthew Williamson SS13 invite
A highlight of my LFW, the Matthew Williamson show was located on the top floor of a deserted concrete and glass office building, with a breathtaking view over London. I sell the MW Matthew Williamson line, so myself and my boss were seated front row, and I spent the pre-show waiting time chatting to Jodie Harsh next to me (who is quite pleasant). The catalogues on our seats told us of the inspiration behind the collection – the Indian Holi festival. Right, I’m thinking, a festival of colours, of course! Cue the opening look, with Cara Delevigne stalking down the runway (strung with bright flower garlands and bare lightbulbs), in a blazer/short combo with the print that was featured on the invitation. And it got better. The mountain-scape prints! The colours! The ethnic embellishments! Oh, and forget dip dye – next summer is all about DRIP dye!




5. Erdem
I’m not a huge fan of snake print, so the opening looks for Erdem S/S ’13 didn’t really win me over – granted, if I had to wear snake print it would be Erdem’s. The rest of the collection though – the Erdem florals, the lace, the sheer fabrics? So beautiful. A lot of sheer fabrics are popping up for next summer, which will undoubtedly filter on to the high street. It will be interesting to see how people will wear it. I know I’m certainly going to try!




Key Trends:
- Futurism – Easiest for Lady Gaga to do. Try metallics in boxy cuts with simple shoes and minimal accessories. Seen at: Eudon Choi; Dion Lee; Markus Lupfer.
- All White – Bring a bib to lunch, ladies, this is going to be a tough one. Seen at: Sass & Bide; Christopher Raeburn; David Koma; Christopher Kane; Simone Rocha; Richard Nicoll.
- Sport Luxe – Influenced by the Olympics, possibly? Just don’t put away those Isabel Marant wedge trainers yet! Seen at: Antonio Berardi; Richard Nicoll; Christopher Raeburn.
- High Shine – Metallics are THE look, day and night, for S/S ’13. Seen at: Simone Rocha; Markus Lupfer; Burberry Prorsum.
All images courtesy of Style.com