LakshmiOn September 12th this year, the British Fashion Council had announced a fur-free runway for the first time ever at this year’s LFW Spring 2019, thereby setting a new global standard. This doesn’t mean an outright fur ban, just that this year’s participating design houses chose not to use fur.
So, what are the looks to bookmark now for your next season wardrobe? The past week featured debuts, reappearances and the revamp of one very famous label, all in the space of five fun-filled days.
Alexa Chung, for a change, was behind the scenes this year, instead of front row. Her “Arrivals and Departures” collection was every woman’s dream holiday closet, with midi-dresses, safari style outfits, comfy jumpsuits all in the shades of the 70’s vibe. The subtle, classic, simple prints spoke elegance in itself.
A 10-year anniversary celebration marked Victoria Beckham’s non-retrospective collection this year. After a decade of presenting at the New York Fashion Week, the talented designer decided to save the main milestone for the first time in London. The iconic midi-dresses, custom-made blazers, tailored jackets, spaghetti straps, scarlet dresses, back slips and the ever-present classic sharpness of any Beckham outfit did not go unnoticed. It was the skinny ankle-split trousers, however, worn by Beckham herself, that I think will be the biggest hit of SS19 VB collection. As usual, her husband, David Beckham and their four kids were present to cheer her during the show and later for the victory lap.
Riccardo Tisci, the new chief creative officer for Burberry was quoted saying at this year’s show, “This show is a celebration of the cultures, the traditions and the codes of this historic fashion house and of the eclecticism that makes up the beautifully diverse United Kingdom.” The show began with an agglomeration of pencil skirts, blouses and trench coats. As the music got faster, so did the skin-tight skirts, corsets and vinyl coats. But although most people were impressed by the opening of the Burberry show, they were left somewhat disappointed in the latter half.
Fashion designer, Julien Macdonald, sticking to his style showcased a collection featuring shades of black and silver, with pops of yellow and tangerine. Model Winnie Harlow walked in a silver swimsuit type style. As Vogue aptly put it, his show was more party-oriented wear than professional. His impressive workmanship did not fail, but ultimately the magazine gave a negative review due to the excess amounts of cringe-worthy, not-there dresses, with nude, flimsy illusions. They said that it would have been better had there been more subtlety in the collection.
Finally, the last collection worth mentioning was the one by Erdem. It check-marked the basic fashion necessities- fabrics, floral prints and plenty of glamorous gowns. Designer, Erdem Moralioglu said that his most significant inspiration was the works by Fanny and Stella, a pair of nineteenth-century cross-dressers who had an avant-garde approach way back then. Many of the outfits seemed to be a cross between two eras- the opulent Victorian period and the 21st-century fashion. I won’t be surprised to see Blake Lively wearing Erdem soon since she seems to be rocking several suits for her movie promotions and other Hollywood events this month! The mannish tailoring and sexy, floral prints are perfect for any red carpet event or even a business meeting.
So, these are the only clothes that matter post this LFW. Stay tuned for Milan Fashion Week! Xx.
[This article was originally published in print and online in the UK.]
Lakshmi
