London Fashion Week

by Faye Waterfield Sunday, 17 November 2013

London Fashion Week is an event full of surprises, and this season really was no exception. The

darkness which descended on the catwalks for Autumn/Winter '13 subsided, leaving something

much brighter in its place. London saw pretty pastels and soft textures throughout each and

every show, but don't be fooled; some of the strength we saw in such full force last season has

made its way into Spring/Summer '14. The soft colours and delicate fabrics have been teamed

with strong tailoring and bold, structured prints to give it a grown-up edge. Once again, the

catwalks screamed powerful woman in a way that only London knows how.

Sheer Delight

(from left to right: Julien Macdonald; Fashion East; John Rocha)

Sheer fabrics were seen throughout LFW in a seductive mix of colours and shapes. Whether it

was simple cut-outs down the length of a skirt, or all-out transparency in a floor-length dress, the

catwalk quite literally saw it all.

Pretty in Pink

(from left to right: J. JS Lee; Zoe Jordan; Giles)

Undeniably, pink is the colour of the season. But it's not just any pink, it's the soft, pastel pink

that reminds us of ice cream parlours and bubblegum. But don't let that put you off; LFW saw

this hue in a variety of different styles and prints. So whether it's the vinyl t-shirts at J. JS Lee, or

the soft tailoring at Zoe Jordan, this trend really is a must for Spring/Summer '14.

Get Shirty

(from left to right: Zoe Jordan; Eudon Choi; 1205)

From the crisp whites at 1205 to the dark florals at Eudon Choi, shirt dresses are ubiquitous this

season. Complete with the traditional collar and button-down front, this trend is incredibly

wearable and is sure to make a notable appearance on the high-street this Spring/Summer '14.

Fine Feathers

(from left to right: Fyodor Golan; Thomas Tait; Felder Felder)

The softness of Spring/Summer '14 wasn't only explored through colour, but through beautiful

fabrics and textures. If pink is the colour of Spring/Summer '14, then perhaps feathers are this

season's texture. This trend was all over the catwalks this LFW, and used in just about every way

imaginable.

The Jumper

(from left to right: Sister by Sibling; Christopher Kane; Antipodium)

Possibly the most wearable trend to grace the catwalks this season: The Jumper. But don't be

fooled; this trend was seen in only the most beautiful colours and finest fabrics, making it a chic

statement piece in its own right.

All White on the Night

(from left to right: Felder Felder; Bora Aksu; Richard Nicoll)

A crisp white, from top to toe. This trend really does sum up the fresh, feminine feel of

Spring/Summer '14, and is one that London Fashion Week saw in a huge variety of fabrics and

textures. Whether it's leather, lace or a little vinyl number, wear with no other colours for a chic

and striking ensemble.

The Cocoon

(from left to right: Burberry Prorsum; Osman; Holly Fulton)

The cocoon coat has been elegantly making its way down the catwalks for quite some time now,

but this season, it certainly is the style to watch. In a range of simple, chic colours, this light

feminine piece is perfect for those cool Spring evenings.

Suit Up

(from left to right: Paul Smith; Haizhen Wang; Matthew Williamson)

The trouser suit: strong, chic, and this season... any colour goes! From the striking coral at

Matthew Williamson to the mismatched monochrome at Haizhen Wang, the trouser suit is back

in its simplest form. Fiercely feminine and not a print in sight!

Stripes

(from left to right: Jean-Pierre Braganza; Richard Nicoll; Ashish)

Chic, horizontal stripes came striding down the catwalk this season. This versatile trend can be

dressed up with rows of glitzy sequins, or dressed down with simple jersey fabrics. The rules?

Wear in any way you please, but keep it bold!

The New Knee-Length

(from left to right: Daks; Antipodium; Sister by Sibling)

Elegance has certainly returned to LFW and this season's skirt is perhaps its most quintessential

component. The knee-length skirt came down the catwalk in every colour and every style

imaginable; from the lilac checks at Sister by Silbing, to the brown, leather pleats at Daks, this

trend is as chic and ladylike as Spring/Summer '14 should be.