The excitement of a flurry of invites dropping through my letterbox. Packing a mountain of shoes, accessories and sparkly things. Off to the beautiful Savoy for the first show. A finale or forest green silks and tweedy lantern skirts at Maria Grachvogel. Taking the scenic route back to Somerset House via Trafalgar Square. Gorgeous twinkly jewels at the LFW exhibition space. An afternoon tea dance at Orla Kiely. A thousand giant padlock balloons line the entrance to the Mulberry show at Claridges. Friendly monsters and furry creatures on the runway at Mulberry. Liquid breakfast (about the only nutrition to be found at Fashion Week).
A beautifully illuminated Royal Opera House for the Matthew Williamson show. The fashion pack have so much love for Topshop and their show space (they feed us before every show). Impossible to beat show venues. The ubiquitous wall of photographers. My friend’s studded Louboutin slippers that made everyone’s feet jealous after days of wearing vertiginous heels. Secretary chic at Paul Smith. The breathtaking sunset panoramic views over London from the Jonathan Saunders venue. Oversized floral prints and a colourful, leggy finale at Jonathan Saunders.
Racing between my desk in Parliament and shows via places like this. Chamber music, chalet-chic silks and white furs at Roksanda Ilincic (surely the most pleasing way to start a weekday morning). Getting waylaid on the way to my next show by a parade of Royal Horseguards leaving Buckingham Palace (only at London Fashion Week). Watching the beauty pros do their thing as the models get primped and preened backstage before the shows. Fun, 60s nouveau at Holly Fulton. Charlotte Olympia heels to make me smile (even if my feet are grumpy about wearing heels). My fashion week essentials: oversized sunglasses (to hide the sleep deprivation) and too many jewels. Watching Australian wonderboy Dion Lee’s first London show (whilst sitting next to Kayne West. As you do…). Beautiful Somerset House is surely the most gorgeous location for Fashion Week HQ.
Do you follow Fashion Week (vicariously or in person)? What do you enjoy the most?
Love, Miss B xx
