London designers to strut their stuff at Fashion Week
LONDON Fashion Week kicks off today and stores surrounding its Somerset House are already stocking up on Diet Coke and cigarettes in preparation for the barrage of models, fashion editors and buyers descending.
From today until next Wednesday, the cobbles of the fabled house will be witness tottering fashionistas and booming music as designers’ collections for Spring 2012 are aired.
London’s fashion scene is hotter than ever this year, thanks to a fresh wave of talent, high profile designers showing in the capital and, of course, the Kate nee Middleton the Duchess of Cambridge effect which has seen London-based labels Issa, Erdem, and Temperley get worldwide fame. (Middleton follows Sam Cam and Michelle Obama who have both regularly been spotted wearing British creations.)
Entrance to shows is strictly ticket only, but don’t worry if you haven’t managed to secure yours. A variety of shows are being live streamed on London Fashion Week’s official website (www.londonfashionweek.co.uk). Burberry Prorsum’s show will also be aired live on the Burberry website.
Shows today include Aussie label Sass & Bide, and PPQ (beloved of Alexa Chung and Fearne Cotton, among others.) Tomorrow will see Vivienne Westwood, Henry Holland, Jonathan Saunders (one of London’s hottest designers currently) and Middleton-favourite Issa, take centre stage.
On Sunday the most coveted ticket will be for Tom Ford (the hot US designer is making his catwalk debut in the capital after launching his luxurious women’s wear label last year.) He joins Nicole Farhi, and Richard Nicoll on the line-up. Matthew Williamson, meanwhile, is set to cause a splash by showing his clothes in the giant Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern. Mulberry is also staging a small presentation for its handbags and clothing at Claridge’s Hotel. (Look out for Alexa Chung!)
Monday is the biggest day of the week. Christopher Kane, the hip Scot designer, who also designs Versus collections for Versace, is set to show. Middleton favourites Temperley London and Erdem – the Canadian designer known for his exquisite floral print dresses – are set to appear. The high point meanwhile, is set to be Burberry Prorsum’s star-packed show. (Previous attendees include Kate Bosworth, Sarah Jessica Parker and Victoria Beckham.)
Tuesday features young London designer Mary Katrantzou, Aquascutum and Roksanda Ilincic.
The week will culminate on Wednesday with a day celebrating London’s finest men’s wear talent, including collections by E. Tautz, Mr. Start, Oliver Spencer, J.W. Anderson, Aquascutum men’s and Topman Design. All you need to do now, is prepare your strut.