KTZ

On the last day of fashion week, my first show of the day was KTZ at 3pm so I spent most of the morning looking around the show rooms and viewing collections from previous shows close up as well as discovering new designers. The KTZ show is always exciting to watch and has become extremely popular due to the likes of Rihanna, Rita Ora, Kanye West and Jay Z regularly donning the brand. This was my second time attending the show and as always the queue was ridiculously long but once in I took my seat on the second row and got my camera ready. As the show started the room went pitch black, then the first model emerged onto the runway to the soundtrack of the Ying Yang Twins and Missy Elliot.

 

The world of KTZ is always intriguing as urban contemporary styles are fused together in an east meets west way with patterning and layering. Taking inspiration from the Inuit tribes the collection consisted of white and black with metallic discs and mirrored embellishments intricately sewn onto chiffon, silk and wools. Pieces included a variety of drainpipe trousers, oversized jackets, fur ponchos, leggings, pleated skirts, fitted dresses and hooded bomber jackets. The addition of huge statement necklaces, bangles, earrings and metallic panelled gloves set the collection in a futuristic way. KTZ once again proved to be the master of texture clashing! My favourite piece was the last model in a full gold suit, bold tribal necklace and gold gloves....edgy yet chic and ahead of our time!

 TATA NAKA

Design sisters Tamara and Natasha Suguladze definitely pushed the boundaries and brought something new to fashion week and their collection for Tata Naka. Drawing inspiration from interior design in particular Persian rugs, Aubusson carpets, ceramic tiles and porcelain china, the collection was heavily patterned, with differing prints put side by side in a technique influenced by Matisse paintings. And the inspiration was definitely evident as models literally blended in with the seriously loud wall paper at the presentation but not in a solemn way but in a shocking awakening your system on the last day of fashion week way. The collection presented a quirky vintage vibe as the aesthetic of prints, appliqué and shapes were displayed onto georgette, silk neoprene and wool crepe.

The models worked printed trousers, skirts, dresses, tops, and coats against colour block separates. Finished off with metallic brogues and boots completed with quirky hot pink tassels, this was a smart collection combining the love of vintage with clean lines that will certainly play up to the ladylike trend in AW14.

Pringle of Scotland

The Pringle show is one I look forward to every season and after arriving just after the first presentation had finished I decided to wait until the next one started which meant I had to miss a few other shows...but my decision was made and boy was it worth it!

The collection was showcased at the exquisite Savile Club in Mayfair which was the perfect setting. This season instead of a presentation, the show was presented via a salon catwalk focusing on innovative 3D printing effects. The textile and structure of the knitwear was streamlined at surface level to produce a super chic, minimalistic ready to wear line bringing the 200 year brand to the forefront of technical innovation. Grey, red and orange were fed through the muted palette, with turtle necks expertly layered under androgynous coats and contemporary sleek pencil silhouettes. Polo shirts in soft silk added a retro touch and the argyle pattern was still apparent in a monochrome sleeveless piece. As the models passed by I had to stop myself from reaching out to touch the fabric. The shaggy coat (below) has my name written all over it! This is such a move on from last season, I seriously can't wait to see what Pringle brings for 2015.

Nicole Farhi

After a quick stop off at the Debenhams LFW boutique for breakfast, I headed to the Nicole Farhi show. This collection was pure and utter hotness! Taking inspiration from the need to feel protected and cosy during the winter months, the brand explored tactile intimacy in the modern world.

Creative director Joanna Sykes focused on the basics and drove it into a new dimension. It was all about comfortable, elegant, smart, yet relaxed designs (the perfect London look) which had an edge to stand out from other brands. Soft angora knits in bold patchwork, slouchy cargo pants in compact satin and goat fur jackets were paired together. Hair was kept sleek and off the face allowing the audience to focus on the intricate details of the clothes. Mixed proportions of tiered layers, graphic sloping hems, and cropped sweaters were worked together in charcoal, navy, duck egg, lemon and chocolate. Fur trimmed ankle boots and graphic woven fur camera bags finished off the look. The stand out piece for me was the checkerboard woven jacket with fur collar, below. This was definitely the epitome of casual luxury!


Marsha C xoxo

John Rocha

My first show on day 2 and what an impact it made! From the first look that hit the runway everyone was transfixed, ooohhhhing and aahhhing in silence (as was I) and as usual the stand out head piece being centre of attention. Major ruffle envy was at the forefront of the collection, with bursts of garnet red, midnight green and white hues amongst contrasting textures of winter lit tweed, crochet and his signature silk georgettes and organzas. My favourite piece of the collection was the tulle skirt with delicate flowers attached displaying a more sculptured silhouette. The red velvet oversized coat with an enormous rose attached literally made my heart skip a beat, a much needed piece required in my closet! A collection signifying strength and beauty combined.

House of Holland

The HOH show is always very exciting as you never know what Holland will produce. This season the collection was super sophisticated and fun with a capital F full of colour from bright greens, orange, reds, cobalt blues to purples....MAJOR love! Added to this a bomber jacket with the words 'Rich Bisch' and a tee that emulated the Sun newspaper, he kept his personality at the forefront. Sam Rollinson, Britain's Next Top Model winner headed the show in a fur coat, satin joggers and the cutest fluffy pom pom slippers. Even Henry dabbled in the full skirt trend with a silver matching two piece combo. More was more in a good way, I look forward to see how he will interpret his ready to wear line in Debenhams.


Hunter

Hunter Original, British heritage brand dating back nearly 160 years showcased their AW14 lifestyle ready to wear range at LFW for the first time ever! Now offering outerwear, knitwear, accessories, as well as footwear, this was one show that everyone wanted to view and luckily for us it was streamed online. Iconic for their Hunter wellies, creative director Alasdhair Willisthe focused on rubberised and neoprene outerwear, longline duffle coats and ponchos with models strutting down the runway splashing their heeled hunter clad feet through puddles of water.


Marsha C xoxo

Lulu Liu 

My first show at LFW AW14 was that of Lulu Liu and this season the collection in my opinion had definitely become more sophisticated. This was my third time attending her show and with the rain pouring down in true British style, this cultured collection definitely cheered me up. Embodying the last emperor Cixia of China, and incorporating the Chinese royal colours she showcased a powerful and feminine range with yet a modern and clean aesthetic. Rich wools, silks, feathers and fur were infused with origami pleats, ruffles and hand painted prints creating a variety of texture. 

Bora Aksu

Next up was Turkish designer, Bora Aksu's 50's inspired collection. Inspired by his mother and her life at boarding school, Bora took elements from the school uniforms such as stripes and grey along with preppy peter pan collars, and clashed it against mustard and pinks keeping a rich yet muted feel. Portraying the individuality between each student and emotions of leaving home, the models swished down the catwalk to Russian and French fairytale music with ribbons in their hair, folk braiding and cute socks and shoe combos. The juxtaposition of high neck collars and rebellious short skirts alongside full length gowns truly signified freedom within the boarding culture. 

Eudon Choi

Although I didn't get to view the show first hand, it was definitely one of my highlights on day 1. Colour blocking and wearable separates is something that Choi usually embodies which instantly had me hooked last season. But this time his expertise of taking masculine cuts and adding a feminine vibe was given a 60's twist. The collection consisted off high necks, long sleeves, whites and various shades of blue. The first look was the check coat below which was a continued trend seen across the catwalks at LFW so be sure to invest if you haven't already. Tousled hair and eyeliner flicks played against knee length dresses, checked coats and cigarette pants, channelling a modern day Bardot.

Marsha C xoxo

Mulberry

On day 3 of LFW I relaxed at home due to becoming ill from the rainy weather, and so watched the Mulberry show livestream. The gorgeous Cara opened the show in a stunning printed floral 2 piece (so my style) which was also replicated on dog outerwear. The textures and loose fitted details of this line really stood out for me. Punches of bright orange was added to blouses and skirts as well as stripes which was seen on the iconic Bayswater bags, shoes and clothing. Different textures of the same colour were juxtaposed against each other creating in my opinion a soft feminine look.

Pringle of Scotland

The Pringle collection was presented at the luxurious Connaught Hotel in Mayfair on day 4 of LFW and was my last show of the day. The iconic argyle diamond print was kept as the basis of the collection but this time transformed into different forms. Intarsia twinsets featured the diamond print entwined creating a heritage feel, mesh tops carried the diamond shape while skirts and coats had diamond beading sewn on. Androgynous models stood on a mirrored platform in the centre of the room surrounded by floor to ceiling mirrors creating a 3D view. Pringles demonstrated a variety of ways in which knitwear can be paired with sleek fabrics to create a clean and simple silhouette.

The gorgeous Tilda Swinton was lovely enough to pose for a photo!

ORLA KIELY 

On the second day of fashion week, first stop was the very exciting, 'you never know what to expect' show of Orla Kiely, the queen of print. This season the ''OK'' girl was out of her typing pool, on a safari surrounded by fields and wild animals (in the backdrop that is!) Inspired by girl guides, brownies and Suzy Bishop, models strutted up and down the camping site, exploring the wilderness, catching butterflies inside jars, reading books and made a mere fishnet look oh so fashionable. Add to this a camp fire and the catchy tune ''The Lion Sleeps Tonight'' playing in the background made me want to jump into a cute pinafore and join them in the field....nope I've never been a brownie!

Tops and dresses with 70s inspired silhouettes in pastels and bright orange were adorned with animal motifs and worked with more animal shaped bags, signature print back packs and cute fluffy berets. Shoes were Orla Kiely for Clark's collaboration available from February 2014.

Fyodor Podgorny and Golan Frydman

Fyodor Podgorny and Golan Frydman

ASHISH

My second stand out show of the day had to be Ashish. This was a show I had always wanted to attend and when that festival inspired glitter wrist band (aka invite) arrived, I literally screamed with delight.  On arriving I had no idea what ticket I had (standing or seated) until I was directed to sit front row so got the best close up pics!

The King of all sequins drew the crowd in from the first outfit which stepped onto the runway, a Coca-Cola sequin vest, sequin striped carrier bag and ripped sequin jeans sported with a golden crown. His inspiration came from the idea of popping down to the off license with your slippers on and jewellery from the previous night. A fun and colourful collection filled with super luxe sportswear, stripes, animal prints, and mismatched socks stepping to the beat of Amerie's ''1 Thing'' in sequin slippers! M&S and Tesco lookalike carrier bags were drenched in sequins and replaced with logos such as S&M and Disco.  Seriously LOVED every minute of it, thanks again Ashish for an amazing show!


What did you think of these collections? Are you a sequins or 70s girl?

FYODOR GOLAN

Although the rain came pouring down in true British style on the first day of London Fashion Week, I braved the weather and headed to my first show of the season, Fyodor Golan.

Fyodor Podgorny and Golan Frydman

Fyodor Podgorny and Golan Frydman

Design duo Fyodor Podgorny and Golan Frydman produced a dynamic collection which featured ''FG'' initialled logo sweaters (maybe the next big thing) juxtaposed against multicoloured ostrich feather and chiffon skirts, fashionable motorcycle 2 pieces in white and yellow, and fitted dresses worn with bomber jackets. The addition of 90s rave smiley faces attached to a bralet (so cool) and bright pink lips made the theme playful yet chic! The colour palette was yellow, white, nude and pale blue. Overall a very pretty, ready to wear sporty collection which makes me look forward to Spring.

J JS LEE

A quick stop off for breakfast then I made my way to Jackie Lee's runway show at Somerset house. Part of the NewGen sponsorship, Lee designed her ''Jellyfish'' range by staying true to her signature style of minimalist tailoring incorporated with gingham and perforated edges. The first look was a candy pink ensemble (below) with peter pan collar details. If you love pink then you can dance for joy as not only is this a top trending colour for autumn winter, it looks like it will be continuing for spring summer too! This was another very wearable collection...seems the fashion insiders are definitely taking note of our city needs.

EUDON CHOI

I had been anticipating this show due to Eudon Choi's amazing reviews from previous seasons and so you can imagine just how ecstatic I was when the invite dropped through my door. One of my fave shows as my two print loves of floral and stripes were clashed together in a feminine way.  His collection featured kimono sleeves, bias cuts, and flatforms worn with socks while keeping his masculine expertise at the fore front by pairing corsets with button up shirts. Watch this space for the Choi takeover in his upcoming calloboration with River Island.

JASPER CONRAN

Although I didn't get to view this show held at the Saatchi Gallery in the flesh, I did manage to get some snaps from their brand PR. Conran has a knack of creating timeless pieces that we Brits like to wear. Peter pan collars in ladylike styles depicted against a black and white artistic backdrop allowed the colours and prints of the range to really pop. The black maxi dress just exudes chic and sophistication, I could do with one of these in my closet! Worn with simple tousled hair allowed the clothes to do the talking.

Photos: taken by me, LFW, c/o Jasper Conran

Marsha C xoxo

Fyodor Podgorny and Golan Frydman

KAREN WALKER