LFW AW13: Runway

Simone Rocha, images from Catwalking

Jonathan Saunders, images from Catwalking

Felder Felder, images from Catwalking

Erdem, images from Catwalking

Mary Katrantzou, images from Catwalking

Richard Nicoll, Images from Catwalking

 For today's instalment of my LFW analysis, I thought i'd present to you my pick of the LFW catwalks.

There have been some real highs and some real lows this season, so here is a brief analysis of which ones I personally fell for.

I must admit that I did not really rate Burberry or Mulberry, both of which I usually love. I felt they were both rather staid in comparison to the other talent to be found at LFW, such as Simone Rocha and Felder Felder, two brands who presented truly phenomenal collections with immaculate styling. 

I have been following the work of Simone Rocha for a while now, and her latest collection certainly delivered in my view. Soft pastel shades that would not look out of place on a S/S catwalk were modernised with unique tailoring techniques and innovative fabrics. To bring the collection bang up to date and back into the realms of A/W,  these sugar pastels were interspersed with tactile and tempting looks of jet black, providing a stark contrast between prettiness and power. 

Moving on, I simply can't sing the praises of both Jonathan Saunders and Richard Nicoll enough, and neither disappointed me for AW13. Jonathan Saunders pulled out all the stops with a modern but feminine aesthetic which is sure to be a hit, it is also going to be my fat day inspiration- those loose sweaters worn over slouchy skirts would conceal a multitude of sins... and donuts... and champagne... 

I am never going to say I dislike an Erdem collection because I highly doubt that I ever could. While this new collection is not my favourite of all time, I do love the slightly sinister, darkly romantic look. I particularly adore the intricate black lace that conjures up images visions of a fantastical forest at witching hour. 

Which were your favourite shows of the new season? 

All Hail Queen Mary!

Mary Katrantzou, London Fashion Week, S/S 2013
images from Elle UK, see their review and the full collection here.

While NYFW has the gloss, Milan the luxury and Paris the elegance, I remain convinced that the city with the truly exciting talent is, and always will be, London.

A case in point, season by season, is the Greek-born genius that goes by the name of Mary Katrantzou. Her collections always blow me away, and for SS13 this is more true than ever before.

What makes Mary Katrantzou such an accomplished designer is her approach to pattern and colour. Each collection has a clear inspiration, usually rather abstract, which influences her artful prints and luscious colour palette, as well as the overall aesthetic of the show.

With her AW collection taking us back to school with sharpened pencils and typewriters, her summer collection is aptly inspired by stamps and foreign currency, perfect for sun-soaked summer retreats.

With softer, perhaps more wearable shapes than in previous seasons, this collection feels slightly more feminine and nonchalant, but still retains the abstract beauty of Mary Katrantzou garments.

With loose silks, billowing skirts and even Current/Elliott denim, the collection is truly marvellous. My stand-out piece has to be the black and white maxi with collar detail- it is elegant but still beautifully modern.

What do you make of Mary Katrantzou's latest collection at LFW?

Zara, Stop it. I'm Poor.

Get your dress here. Race ya?

Elle Style Awards Best Dressed

Poppy Delevigne at the Elle Style Awards

Happy Valentines day folks! A post will follow but first here is my pick of the best dressed from last night's Elle Style Awards. This beautiful £350 dress from Mary Katrantzou's Topshop range is just stunning and I want it sooo much!

I also want those ridiculously long legs...

Cheap but Chic

It's Valentines soon but BLEUGH let's just forget all that silly nonsense (can you tell i'm single?), and focus on the upcoming London Fashion Week which, naturally, is going to be jam packed full of fashion fabulous events that budding fashion journalists like me live for!

There are SO many things going on that i'm just longing to be a part of but, alas, i'm not big enough, clever enough or important enough to actually be invited to any shows (and cue violins) so will just have to linger around Somerset House and observe the beauty of the best of the fashion weeks!

However, for plebs like me there are still some lovely bits and bobs to look forward to in the capital over the next few weeks. Firstly we have the launch of Topshop's latest project, which is a celebration of their fantastic work with NEWGEN from the last ten years. Low and behold some of the most gorgeous t-shirts I have seen in a very long time coming from a number of cool brands like Christopher Kane and MeadhamKirchoff and even my beloved Erdem.  The t-shirts will also help to raise money for the Centrepoint charity, so it's fashion fabulousness sans guilt! The best part? They are just £30, so you can flaunt your fashion credibility loud and proud, without having to abuse your credit card. The t-shirts go on sale on the 17th at Topshop and the exciting LFW pop-up at Selfridges. I will no doubt be seeing you there (hands off the Holly Fulton one in S/M... it's mine.)

SS12 Lust List: Item #2

Christian Louboutin for Mary Katrantzou, SS12

I am a girl, and therefore it is only natural that I will fall in love with a pair of shoes at least once every season. Premature though this may be, I think I have found my sole-mates (see what I did there?) for SS12.

While my own feet are currently clad in layers of thermal socks, I can't help but imagine how lovely they might look slipped into these STUNNING Louboutin heels from Mary Katrantzou's coveted SS12 collection (my pick of the season.)

It's no secret that 2012 is going to be Katrantzou's big year. Her A/W collection has brought her a nomination for the highly prestigious Design Museum's Design of the Year award, which is such an achievement! This, alongside a Topshop collaboration hitting stores in February (i've already started sharpening my elbows for the launch) and one of the most celebrated shows of the spring season under her belt, have secured her place as fashions next megastar.

Her eye catching prints and masterfully cut dresses are the stuff of dreams, and these shoes designed with Louboutin are just the delicious cherry on top.

The clear plastic brings a futuristic touch to the cheerful bright metallics, and the studs add a serious edge.  They are sexy, chic and flattering all at once!

I want them in every colour please, but the silver and gold pair are a firm favourite as I just have a thing for mixed metallics!

Kudos to Katrantzou!

TRENDING.

The SS12 trends, in their simplest form possible. More detailed trend reports to come, naturally, but just feast your eyes on what next season has to offer!

And i'll get to work on storing away my mother's home baked cakes and cookies- Prada says crop tops are in, and who am I to argue?

I'll start with 25 sit-ups a day and work up, okay? Starting tomorrow...