London Fashion Weekend 2013

Having missed London Fashion Week by sticking to my resolution to be a good student in Leeds, I was keen to find out more about the Vodafone London Fashion Weekend after a friend recommended it to me when we were brainstorming possible activities for another one of my weekend retreats to the big city. A tribute to that pinnacle week on the Fashion calendar, LFWeekend is situated at Somerset House on the Strand and consists of a host of fashion-related activities: discounted designer shopping, live talks and catwalk shows. It definitely sounded like our kind of day, so we promptly bought the last few tickets left for Sunday afternoon and wasted no time planning out LFW worthy outfits.

 On the day, we joined the throngs of equally excited (mainly female) shoppers, snapping preliminary shots outside the show tent and weaving through the packed indoor shopping zone. I admired those who threw caution to London's freezing cold by going without a coat or even a pair of tights. Now that's real dedication. On the other hand, Juliet and I were content with being wrapped up to keep warm outdoors. Pneumonia is never in style.

THE SHOP

A standard ticket qualified you for free reign on the display rooms filled with racks and stacks of designer gear. Brands included Sam Edelman, Issa, Twenty8Twelve and Muubaa. Promo staff roamed the corridors handing out freebies throughout the day such as free mini Diet Cokes, 1 pound Elle magazine subscriptions and Compeed shoe inserts. On top of that, there were workshops and pop up shops running all around the venue. From a mini Toni and Guy hair salon to a makeover station courtesy of Elizabeth Arden. One of the most popular areas was the Canon photo shoot studio where shoppers are able to try their hand at modeling for some HD prints that you walk away with for free!

Somewhere along our tour round the complex, I stumbled across a rail of neoprene style dresses (which I still question for their fashion cred) and decided to try on an intriguing backless silk dress that I later dubbed the 'Galactic' dress. To wear it, you literally had to be harnessed into it using the design's detachable clips. However, instead of looking completely outrageous, the unusual fabric combination actually worked. The result was a minimalist design that makes a lasting impression when you turn away. I was quite smitten with it, but for 400 pounds, it will just be another addition to my shortlist of potential DIY projects.

  

Another section that caught out attention were the gems over at Her Curious Nature. Aside from intricate bespoke headpieces, the brand also stocks fun and elegant hair accessories. We automatically went for the bejeweled headbands which we were the perfect balance of boho chic and retro glam. 

  

THE SHOW

Purchasing a Catwalk ticket meant that you could choose from either catching a Designer or Trend show depending on the schedule. We decided to attend the late Trend Catwalk, which featured 4 key Spring Summer trends: Graphic Art, Urban Lifestyle, Eastern Promise and Dolls House. The show was hosted by Zoe Hardman and co-ordinated by renowned stylist and fashion director Hilary Alexander.

GRAPHIC ART: The show opened with bold looks that played with sharp lines and the New Monochrome (black and white with pops of color). Neon accents was a running common factor and Hilary cited Marc Jacobs as a prominent influence for this crisp no-frills style.

URBAN LIFESTYLE: Catering to the 'working girl', this trend featured cycling outfits designed by the winner of the FAD Design Compeition and (what they deemed to be) office-appropriate looks. While the bike was a cool touch, not sure if many people would be all that concerned with how fashionable they are when riding a Barclays Hire. Then again, I could be wrong. I mean, there are some dedicated people willing to strip off their coats in the freezing cold for the sake of fashion.

EASTERN PROMISE: This was my favorite theme of the four. A look that makes a statement with oversized tribal necklaces and vibrant kimono prints. The models sauntered down the runway in sandals and various Orientalist props such as Chinese fans and paper umbrellas. In particular, the grand flowy finale dress mesmerized the audience, creating dynamic movement and shape as it fluttered past.

DOLLS HOUSE: A throwback to Barbie and the Harajuku Girls, Dolls House was all about playing with hi-shine metallics, florals, perspex heels and PVC details. A modern take of 'pretty' inspired by the likes of Givenchy, Gucci and Balenciaga.

LFWeekend was a great way to spend a Sunday with friends (even if it did rinse me of my cash with the shopping!). For anyone that loves Fashion Week, it's definitely a good taster to the mayhem of a large-scale fashion event. And to quote a friend, echoing the same dream shared by many a fashion enthusiast, 'hopefully one day I'll become important enough to attend LFW'.

One day.