Review of London Fashion Week September 07
On 15th - 20th September, fashions latest and greatest descended on London for a London fashion week to be remembered, which highlighted the key looks and collections of designers for spring/ summer 08. This year we were not to be disappointed with a whirlwind of events set at the Natural History Museum and other inspiring venues across London and attended by amongst others Tom Ford, Anna Wintour and Anna Piaggi.
The exhibition at London fashion week played home to over 210 fashion and accessory designers. New this year was Esthetica which included the best of eco sustainable and ethical fashion, with collections showing commitment to fairtrade, organic and / or recycled materials.
New Generation was set up in 1993 to support the best up and coming designers at London Fashion Week. Currently sponsored by TOPSHOP, New Gen is recognised internationally and has helped launch the careers of some of Britain's top designers, including Alexander McQueen, Clements Ribeiro, Matthew Williamson, Julien Macdonald and Sophia Kokosalaki. This year was no exception in showing a great selection of unique British talent.
The highlights of London fashion week were the Antoni and Alison collection shown as a cinema screening of a movie starring their friend Nicole Kidman. For shock value Gareth Pugh won outright with his coat made of white mice. Matthew Williamson returned to celebrate 10 years of designing with a show of his spring / summer 08 collection. And Luella Bartley also returned with her spring/summer 08 collection to mark the opening of the worlds first stand alone Luella store in London this Autumn. Both Top Shop and Cos proved that they are up their with their cool but affordable fashions.
The key looks to watch for emerging from London fashion week are geek chic (Luella), 80’s stone washed jeans and snakeskin (Christopher Kane), tie dye prints and body hugging dresses (Mario Schwab), tuxedo jackets and biker chic (Todd Lynn), skimpy cheerleader dresses (Julian McDonald) and boiler suits and maxi dresses in pale washed out colours (Topshop).
The debate on models size rumbled on with the publication of the model health inquiry final report, recommending that models under the age of 16 are not used in any of the shows. It also recommended a minimum BMI (body mass index) for models to be introduced a part of measures to ensure the general good health of models. The British fashion council however did not support the use of a ‘weigh in’ system on the basis that it may worsen eating disorders among models.
Naomi Campbell moved back into the spotlight in a good way by organising a charity fashion show in aid of the Rotary flood relief disaster appeal. Stars were queuing up to spend money on the designer gowns modelled by celebrities but the biggest contribution was made by Sir Phillip Green who bid £35,000 on a velvet Alexander McQueen gown.
The grand finale of London fashion week was the new Adidas by Stella Mcartney. Stella began her partnership with Adidas in 2004 the range has since expanded and now includes something for everyone with beautifully stylish and feminine clothes for running, gym, yoga, tennis, swimming and dance.
More Information
www.londonfashionweek.co.uk The official website with full details of all designer showing on the catwalk and at the exhibition.