London Fashion Week is, for me at least, like a week-long Christmas that comes twice a year. I have an excuse to check Vogue.co.uk at least seventeen times a day for streetstyle and catwalk reports, the city is awash with people in carefully-curated outfits, and there is, for this magical week, a good chance of me bumping into some internationally-renowned celebrity on the Strand, or standing behind a supermodel in the queue at Starbucks.
Having forgotten to apply for Blogger accreditation, I consoled myself with an evening at Vodafone’s London Fashion Weekend – #LFW’s shoppier counterpart at Somerset House – for TheOutnet.com’s Spring/Summer trends show. Here’s what to expect this upcoming season:
THE SHOWGIRL – Previous trends for understated minimalism and clean planes of undisturbed grey and white take a step back in the face of this ‘more is more’ trend. Intricate detail, shimmering fabrics and heavy embellishment should be embraced (as should sunglasses, if you’re standing near a light source) and worn all at once if you’re particularly brave – as the evening’s MC – stylist and fashion writer Angela Scanlon – quipped: “if you look like you should be hanging from the ceiling, you’re on the right track”.
SUMMER BLACK – Perhaps one of the least practical trends sees the revelation that black is evidently now the new black. Stick to loose, floaty shapes and light cotton fabrics to avoid heatstroke, and invite a welcome comparison with Kanye West by donning ‘all black err’thang’.
SPORTS – Without breaking my alliterative streak, I’ll jog on. Spring/Summer will see very literal interpretations of this trend, with Fashion insiders finally embracing trainers and draping bomber jackets over their shoulders. The baseball shirt is also a hero piece often worn oversized with luxe accessories, and joggers in leather, acid washes and bold prints styled with stilettos are relaxed and chic, without the awkward and undesirable Vicki Pollard connotation.
FLORALS – This is no maverick trailblazer, but you can’t ignore such a steadfast omnipresence. Christopher Kane SS14 taught us that spring florals need not be commonplace or pedestrian in any way, and encouraged us to retreat from garden party styling by mixing flowery patterns with jersey, slogans, and daring and provocative cut-outs.
LACE – Once reserved for wedding dresses and your grandmother’s curtains, lace is back – but for daywear in particular this time. The Outnet styled delicate lace trousers, pencil skirts and dresses with luxe be-sloganed sweatshirts and jersey tees for casual day looks, and with clean white shirts and sharp tailoring for feminine but office-appropriate wear.
STATEMENT ACCESSORIES – Last but not least, this trend has had real staying power with streetstyle regulars, and is set to enjoy further prevalence with the surging popularity of loud and proud accoutrements from designers such as emerging shoe whisperer Sophia Webster, and Moschino. Bold footwear and brash bags are the outfit awakener du jour, so this is not the time to hold back.
Stephanie Weekes
Stephanie Weekes is a Consultant at Publicasity.