London Fashion Week: Day 1

This is the most exciting time to be in London with so much happening in the fashion industry, everyone tries to make the most of these few days of limelight to promote designers and show off.

Somerset House

There are many shows, presentations and events going on, often simultaneously so unless you have a team of people working for you, it is physically impossible to cover everything. So this is just a selection of what caught my eye on the first day of London Fashion Week.

Stephen Jones

Hats were definitely a high point of the day in a BFC initiative curated by world-renowned milliner Stephen Jones - Headonism. Sponsored by Royal Ascot, it celebrates the new wave of emerging British based hatters.

William Chambers and a model wearing his hat

From Charlie le Mindu sculptural work combining hairdressing, wig-making and millinery to J Smith Esquire extraordinary couture pieces, this event was a feast for those who love to make a statement. 

J Smith Esquire couture piece

And I have to mention William Chambers, Noel Stewart and Piers Atkinson, all of them with an impressive celebrity fan-base. Stewart has also designed hats for leading fashion designers such as Marc by Marc Jacobs, Roland Mouret and Oscar De La Renta. 

Zandra Rhodes

Zandra Rhodes, who is going to show at Paris Fashion Week this season with a retrospective of her most iconic pieces, was also at this event supporting a new generation of milliners.

Mykita sunglasses and French Sole ballerinas

In the exhibition area, it was great to see the latest collections of carefully selected labels, from French Sole which produces the most beautiful ballerina shoes to Mykita sunglasses handmade in Berlin. 

Erickson Beamon

In terms of Jewellery, Erickson Beamon collection offers multiple distinct pieces featuring in high profile magazines, Mawi luxury retrospective is also very interesting, juxtaposing daring spikes with decadent crystals and I love the fruity necklace from Les Néreides! 

Mawi and Les Néreides

   
I also came across Stephen Jones millinery in the exhibition, incredibly beautiful hats with a dream-quality to them and an amazing style precision. Everything is just right. This is what years of craftsmanship can do!

Stephen Jones Millinery

On my way to Zoe Jordan catwalk show there was a Vogue car parked outside, it really feels like London Fashion Week! The collection was for a sophisticated woman, with tailored pieces in soft and earthy colours.  

Zoe Jordan catwalk show and Vogue car

But above all, today was all about designers who are fast-forward and cutting edge, they are too many to be named! I leave you with my favourite dress of the day by Georgia  Hardinge, a designer I've been following for some time...

Georgia Hardinge

Other related posts: 
Catwalk to Cover
Paris Couture: Dream Woman?
Fashion in Motion: Peter Jensen