London Fashion Week Fall 2012-Winter 2013 Highlights

London Fashion Week 2012 - ALL POSTS

There was something almost Parisian about Margaret Howell’s collection… it wasn’t just the berets. Outerwear ruled the line-up – amazingly well we must add– and really honored classic dressing to the hilt. The coats, jackets, even the few sweaters and blouses looked great and functional. The slightly Garçonne look fit the current trend for “boyfriend style.” Her shearling coat gave the trend a new twist… bringing forth the British concept of manor dressing (i.e.: dressing like you picked-up grandpa’s coat to go for a walk).

Margaret Howell - Fall 2012-Winter 2013

Is it us, or is Mulberry becoming one of the coolest labels around? We are adoring this latest collection with its Where the Wild Things Are flavor. The line-up is truly great and demonstrates a skilled hand at work. From our furry perspective, this collection is an affair to remember. The mixing of fur types is done effectively, and the longhaired pieces are show-stopping looks that will be making the rounds in editorials the world-over.

Mulberry - Fall 2012-Winter 2013

Nicole Fahri showed a discreet and expensive-looking collection focusing on what she is known for: no-nonsense clothes made with luxe textiles including her beloved shearling. It also happened to be her 30^th anniversary collection.

Nicole Farhi - Fall 2012-Winter 2013

Marlene Dietrich may have inspired Marios Schwab’s latest collection which delivered sensual and slightly formal day looks. The line-up was overwhelmingly strong and elegant, but the edgier side of Marlene’s influence is best seen in the fur pieces in which Mr. Schwab transposed actual Astrakhan (Persian lamb) fur with a trompe l’œil print version– an unusual combination by any standard, but a really cool one.

Marios Schwab - Fall 2012-Winter 2013

Vivienne Westwood is a living legend; who else knows how to play the fashion game so well, is a tried and true Punk, and is versed in fashion history like a museum curator? She is a one-and-only and we love her for never looking back. This Vivienne Westwood Red Label collection plays with her quirkiness and may be the answer for the wallflowers out there… seemingly “normal” pieces exuding that undercover Westwoodian funkiness. She used fur quite effectively in her accessories; note these fabulous bags.

Vivienne Westwood Red Label - Fall 2012-Winter 2013

TopShop isn’t the household name in the US that it is in the UK. This behemoth merchandiser rules the trends for the young and fashion conscious there. For its foray into the “Big Designer” arena they present TopShop Unique. This season, under a whole new management, the collection showed its fair share of “designed pieces” with enough leather, wool and shearling to compete with the best of them.

TopShop Unique - Fall 2012-Winter 2013

If one word can sum-up all the collections we’ve seen so far and summon the trend of the season, it is COLOR. Matthew Williamson has made a name for himself for his love affair with colors. This collection was no exception; he delivered an upbeat line-up full of color blocking (another huge trend) and luxe, seen through a pair of tinted sunglasses. The colors and the collection were rather elegantly tamed this time. The multicolored chubby made us swoon.

Matthew Williamson - Fall 2012-Winter 2013

Acne’s latest collection was as hard-edged as it was modern. This label is really transforming season after season into a trendsetter. The cuts, the choice of materials, the juxtapositions, are all intricate parts of its appeal. Acne likes to be experimental, trying things and assessing their appeal. Its outwear is one of its stronger suits, and this season the fur applications are worth noting.