3 Things I Didn't Expect at LFW

Apologies if you're tired of LFW related stories on my blog lately. The last thing I want is readers willing to put up with my wordy entries leaving, so I promise this will be my last!

LFW's New Design Darlings

Call me fickle but here's 5 LFW designers I fell in love with...from the far east to Fashion East to Topshop's NEWGEN

LFW A/W13 Catwalk Edit

One of the most underrated pleasures about keeping a blog is that you don't have to be selective in terms of images and you're free to pretty much say anything. Perfect for indecisive and gobby types like me. 

You never forget your first LFW; anticipating what madness, 'meh'-ness or magnifucent creation will step on the catwalk and within weeks hit the shopfloor whether you like it or not.

Why should only fashion editors have all the fun? So here is my very first report on what I saw, loved  and most importantly would potentially buy, whether it's the designer version or high street interpretation. After all, as fashion journalist Caryn Franklin wrote too-rightly on LFW Daily "The foundation of a successful collection is in appealing to those who will buy, as opposed to those who will photograph".

Of course you're welcome to disagree.

1. Hot shoulder

Shoulders are having a hot moment - none more experimental than at Osman. My favourites? Just a bit of shoulder revealed on a demure draped top, David and Goliath (mismatch sized) sleeves and an Icarus-style shoulder piece by Topshop Unique- clearly it's not just Red Bull that gives you wings.

Osman

Osman

Topshop Unique

2. Scissorhand skirts

Emilio de la Morena's innovative skirt slits made me want to grab my nearest shears and slash up my mum's old pencil skirts. (Thankfully that never materialised). His brilliant tailoring skills created a dynamic altercation  between skin (sexy) and fabric (sophisticated). Unusual but utterly wearable.

Emilio de la Morena

Emilio de la Morena

3.'70s geometric wallpapers 

Eye-boggling prints are back again, interpreted by designers from Holly Fulton to Matthew Williamson. Like the unmistakable appearance of camouflage and quilting, I had my doubts this flattered anything other than pasty bedroom walls. With the exception of House of Holland's punchy take, pairing huge prints with muted tertiary hues like the lime green below, rather than black which can be a bit too severe. A clever fitted silhouette and bust pattern detail saves it from the retro costume category. 

House of Holland

House of Holland

4. A detail less ordinary

Off-centre, double-notch collars, asymmetrical tailored jackets and dresses, anything goes as long as it's wrong for all the right reasons.

Daks

Kinder Aggugini

Preen by Thornton Bregazzi

Osman

5. '40s tailoring

With a self-admittedly limited knowledge of fashion history even I spotted references from 1930s through to the 1950s, hence settling with a happy in-between. High-waisted peg leg trousers  with tucked-in, short sleeve turtle necks, mannish suits à la Katharine Hepburn. Breasts optional.

Emilia Wickstead

Margaret Howell

Emilia Wickstead

Vivienne Westwood Red Label

6. Long layering

Unkempt, baggy layers that eliminate curves, grungy contrast texture knits, Dr Zhivago-esque furry hats.  James Long's non-chalant boyish street urchins are totally me.

James Long

James Long

James Long

7. One-offs to watch

 Self-indulgent slogans

Ashish

A shiny, shiny red skirt

Topshop Unique

 Matching wallpaper knits 

Topshop Unique

Longer-than-billed baseball hats

KTZ

(All images http://www.londonfashionweek.com)

LFW A/W13 Street Style Edit

The first thing a fashion week street style-snapping rookie like me realises is how underdressed one is. Spotted on the most creative, democratic catwalk of all, here's a list of my favourite trends.  I've chosen unique but not-overtly-attention seeking ones that can be adapted for day-to-day wear. 

Apologies for the quality of photos - 'twas my first attempt and I've much to learn. I've a newfound appreciation for photography and had an eye-opening time doing it. 

If it all sounds a bit exciting, check out my LFW A/W13 daily highlights for LIVE Mag, for street style, backstage and music exclusives.

1. Floral print trousers

Go full bloom or contrast with muted or customised pieces

 

(One-of-a-kind jacket and Japanese platform shoes!)

 2. Pastels and neons 

(don't forget to act preoccupied with your phone/notepad)

3. An timelessly cool coat

Wrap up warm in shades of grey, black, tan, in any shape you'll wear again and again

 

 

(My favourite coat and the only kind of camel toe I wouldn't mind wearing)

4. Checks on checks/plaid on plaid

 Go crazy, and don't forget your socks. 

5. Statement bags

Animal or bright coloured backpacks

(Ok, it's a tote not a backpack, but I just can't get enough of Dame Viv Westwood's historical x naughtiness)