As New York Fashion Week ended with fashion shows like Calvin Klein (who seemed to have also been inspired by "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" — more Mara Rooney as opposed to Lisbeth), London Fashion Week took off Friday. So far, the runway seems to be dominated by minimalist or very colorful palettes.
At 9 a.m. sharp, Antoni & Alison set the pace with one-piece, long sleeved dresses in colorful, plaid and water-colored motifs placed over sheer materials. The highlight piece is the tux-inspired dress with a gold-sequined bottom and a black cardigan thrown over.
Antoni & Alison's aesthetic can be summed up in four words: British, casual, eccentric and feminine. They are Britain's response to American designer Betsey Johnson.
Photo courtesy of New York Magazine
Photo courtesy of New York Magazine
Basso & Brooke's palette of black and whites with a whimsical touch and non-coherently matched prints strangely works together. The boxy silhouettes overshadow the high-waisted skinny pants. The Jil Sander-esque overcoats match the corresponding skirts.
The duo, who met in a London nightclub, has clients like Rihanna and Beyonce Knowles, so you can definitely picture the kind of woman they design for.
Photo courtesy of New York Magazine
Photo courtesy of New York Magazine
J. JS Lee stepped away from extreme prints and into the direction of minimalism. The designs are simple and non-form fitting but ultimately appear to elongate the female form. The models' bodies are like obelisks moving along the runway.
According to the London Fashion Week site, the Korean designer describes the J. JS Lee woman as, "A modern woman who is concerned with looking sharp in a uniquely feminine way" — that was made apparent in the clean cuts that walked down the runway.
Photo courtesy of New York Magazine
Photo courtesy of New York Magazine
The Aquascutum show began an hour after J. JS Lee began and continued the black and white palette, with some olive green and dark brown thrown in. Designer Joanna Sykes designed a ready-to-go collection for that mysterious woman who's always on the go. Think everyday basics like well-tailored, narrow, ankle-length pants and pencil skirts with beautifully crafted broad-shouldered coats and jackets nipped at the waist. And, of course, classy gloves to finish off the look.
Some dresses are simple and sleeveless with a slit on the side of the leg, while some are daring with slits on both sides of the torso.
Photo courtesy of New York Magazine
Photo courtesy of New York Magazine
The fashion show that is sure to be anticipated is the McQ Alexander McQueen show — the first catwalk debut for the mini-line. Most importantly, it's sure to remind viewers of the anniversary of death of the designer Lee Alexander McQueen.
February 11th, which marked two years since the talented designer took his own life. He was the heart and soul of UK fashion, and his talent still lives on in the many designers who are influenced by his work. Today, his assistant Sarah Burton has taken over and has done the brand justice by keeping to his aesthetic while adding her own feminine softness.
The collection is more of a younger, edgy take on the McQueen classics, and it's more affordable. The best bit of it all is that the McQ fashion show is going to stream live tonight (Feb. 20) at 8 p.m. on their Facebook page, so definitely tune in to that! You'll be able to witness some of fashion's greatest, LIVE.
So in McQueen's spirit and for the start of London Fashion Week, I leave you all with Sarah Burton's scarf collection made in memory for the designer who lives on forever in fashion.
Photo courtesy of ShoppingBlog
Also check out Lady Gaga's "Fashion of His Love," the song she penned for her favorite designer, (and mine) Alexander McQueen.
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