London Fashion Weekend aims to provide “an insider’s view of the latest fashion trends.” The event is held during one weekend, at different venues, in London. For 2016, the four-day event took place at the Saatchi Gallery (which was opened by advertising mogul Charles Saatchi in 1985.)
This type of event is not one that this journalist would ordinarily attend, and the assignment commenced with a slight weary detachment (ever listened to Elvis Costello’s “This Year’s Model“?) However, by the end the color and the glitz won through and the creative process that had gone into creating the clothes won through. Fashion is a type of art form, albeit a transient one.
Expert panels took place to discuss the significance of the current fashion trends, taking in historical developments, and the latest sources of fashion inspiration. Highlights also included an overview of the industry event — London Fashion Week.
Attendees could have make-up applied or their hair styled from a menu of 25 different cuts, guaranteed to be completed within 20 minutes by Toni & Guy stylists.
The highlight was the catwalk. Here the opportunity to see some of the biggest names from London Fashion Week was provided.
Once the show began, some forty different clothes were shown by 10 different models. The change in clothes was quite rapid.
Digital Journal caught two different shows. One was called trends, which highlighted the latest collections from a range of designers. This was hosted by British television presenter Laura Jackson.
At the trends show, there was the opportunity to view the models close-up.
Bright colors seem to be in this season.
Models showed the works of designers like Vivienne Westwood, Alexa Chung and Daisy Lowe. The range on offer varied, as with the picture below contrasting evening wear with a ‘summer in the city’ look.
What was striking was how still the models were, and when they walk, how unflinching. No real expression on their faces.
For those thirsty, in-between the electronic music that pumped out during the catwalk sessions, a champagne bar provided a welcomed retreat.
The second catwalk was one exclusively dedicated to one designer. This was Temperley London, the fashion house of Alice Temperley MBE, founded in 2000. Temperley clothes have been worn by The Duchess of Cambridge and her sister Pippa Middleton.
The designer clothes took on a slight bohemian edge.
Many were floral, prêt-à-porter (“ready-to-wear”) and appearing in high street stores within a few weeks time.
While the clothes were elegant, and unlike some fashion displayed, wearable by many women, the models were noticeably very thin. Some models looked unhealthy, especially with their spindly legs.
For those tired of gazing at the models, there were plenty of “pop-up shops” offering the very best in designer shopping across 150 stores.
A few celebrities could be spotted mingling throughout the event, including singers Geri Halliwell and Roisin Murphy.