From plaid-printed ponchos to dazzling metallics, London Fashion Week proved to be one of the most captivating and unforgettable events of the season. With street style looks that left us inspired, and collections that suggested an intriguing cross-cultural dialogue, London’s finest represented their aesthetic statements with a thought-provoking flair. In the following article we explore the must-see moments and trends that showcased the fresh, creative spirit of the British fashion capital.
1. London’s Finest: Captivating Highlights From London Fashion Week
A Glorious Week: London Fashion Week 2018 was a veritable celebration of the artistry and innovation within the capital. The streets of London were awash with runway reveals, seminars and luxury shopping, each showing the best of British fashion. With collections from an array of the hottest up-and-coming names alongside established designers, this season’s event was truly unforgettable.
The Cream of the Crop: Amongst the biggest shows of the week was Alexander McQueen’s signature creativity, as the famed designer showcased a Gothic-inspired collection featuring sweeping chiffon gowns and superstitious-embellished veils. Elsewhere, Burberry demonstrated why it is among the most iconic of British brands, with a show of structured coats and tartan accents. Aspirations of elegance and class ran through the collection.
Red-Carpet Ready: As well as the collections themselves, London Fashion Week 2018 was packed with other highlights. The FROW saw the likes of Kendall Jenner, Naomi Campbell and Daisy Lowe turn out in abundance, flaunting their fashion credentials. Their presence served to celebrate the diverse nature of the collections on show.
Beyond the Catwalk: Away from the catwalk, there were a host of other activities to be enjoyed, from designer boutiques and in-store events, to workshops and seminars. For fashion fans the sights and sounds of the city provided a one-of-a-kind experience. Nor was the fun all limited to adults, with children experiencing the delights of the Fashion Week in family-friendly programming.
An Unforgettable Week: Along with its standout collections and vibrant atmosphere, London Fashion Week 2018 left an impression of sophistication, fun and innovation. Up-and-coming names showed their work to the world, while established designers demonstrated their craft. With each niche of fashion marveling in its own splendor, there’s no doubt this was an unforgettable week of British Style.
2. Exploring the Sartorial Magic of the English Capital
It is no surprise that London is considered one of the world’s most stylish cities. From the regal grandeur of Saville Row to the trendy street styles that pour out of its infinite number of fashion-forward shops, the English capital is a bustling hub of contemporary sartorial creativity. Here, anyone can explore this ever-changing panorama of styles to find something perfectly suited to their individual aesthetic.
Take an afternoon to stroll through East London and it quickly becomes apparent there is no one single style to define the city. Diverse cultural influences from all walks of life are uniquely intertwined, producing some truly cutting-edge fashion. Discover the eclectic interplay of old and new, classic and contemporary, here in the heart of East London.
Just off Oxford Street, find the iconic stores of Carnaby Street stocking the latest trends right off the runways. Forbes named Carnaby the fashion capital of the world, and it is no wonder as the stores usher in a new wave of must-have items from British designers. And Shoreditch hosts a never-ending selection of exclusive boutiques, with each display showcasing unique and unabated creativity. Here, breathtaking designs are the norm, and no two outfits are ever the same.
London is an intoxicating fashion destination. Whether you are looking for cutting-edge trends or timeless haute couture, the English capital offers something for everyone. Be sure to delve into the city’s hidden gems to discover the best of London’s sartorial goodies:
- Brick Lane – Vintage wares and one-of-a-kind finds
- Designer’s Guild – Upscale designer boutique
- Mayfair – Old-meets-new with modern twists
- Boxpark – Home of independent design labels
3. Making a Grand Entrance: Fashion Week’s Most Exciting Catwalk Moments
Fashion Week provide one of the strangest spectacles in the world, with every season’s shows offering a range of amazing, bizarre and beautiful moments. Here are three of the most iconic catwalk moments that have made their way into the style hall of fame.
- Alexander McQueen’s “Savage Beauty” Show
Arguably the most iconic catwalk of all time, Alexander McQueen’s “Savage Beauty” show in 2005 featured a robotic arm suspended above a circular catwalk as models strutted beneath it. The unique contraption was designed to mimic an arm sewing, an ode to McQueen’s five years at Givenchy and apt symbol of his rebellious spirit. - Gigi Hadid’s Australian Tour
In celebration of her 21st birthday in 2016, Gigi Hadid hopped a plane from the USA to Australia and took part in three shows for Australian designers. Her collection of shows spanned from Melbourne to Sydney and made for an iconic grand entrance in the style world. - Jean Paul Gaultier’s 80s Show
Paris Fashion Week’s 2018 catwalk featured a spectacularly stylised homage to the ’80s. Modelled by some of the leading models of the age, the Jean Paul Gaultier show featured plenty of ripped denim, bandage dresses, neon colours and lots of shoulder pads.
Each one of these iconic moments were highlights of the past five years’ of Fashion Week shows, and have earned their place in the style hall of fame. From robotic arms to cross-country trips, these breathtaking catwalk moments have not only made entrances more memorable, but have helped firmly establish Fashion Week’s place in the world as an essential and unstoppable event.
4. The Elegance of the Metropolis: An Iconic Fashion Week in London
London has been a bastion of culture and style for centuries. From the streets of Soho to the prestigious catwalks of the British capital, metropolitan fashion has always been a highlight of London’s iconic flair. This year marks one of the most stylish and anticipated of London’s fashion weeks – and it’s already shaping up to be a sight to behold.
The Look: With Marie Claire’s creative director as this year’s lead judge, the styles on display have been sure to please the lovers of luxury. From business casual to delightfully daring, an eye-catching array of ensembles is evident on the runway. As the creativity of the designers “on show” is highly evident, it’s no doubt that this year’s picks will be desirable for years to come.
The People: As the list of sought-after designers grows, so too does the list of A-list celebrities, fashion editors, and influencers attending the events. Among this crème de la crème of today’s fashion elite, the range of styles and looks emitted is a spectacle that’s truly impressive – an inspiring display of individuality that lives on long after the lights dim.
The Parties: As days draw to a close, the nightlife scene of London comes alive with soirées associated with the event. Lavish parties featuring sumptuous finger food, bubbly Champagne, and exquisite company make the true extent of the event clear. All in attendance are sure to have an unforgettably delightful experience.
The Takeaway: Fashion week in London is a truly legendary event with sights and sounds that cannot be matched. Guests get to enjoy the very best of the industry while appreciating the timeless elegance of the city. Whether you’re tuning in from home or taking part in the festivities in person, the summer season of fashion in London is sure to be remembered for years to come.
Fashion can be a form of expression, and this year’s London Fashion Week was a platform for many local and international designers to present their unique takes on the season. The show was a beautiful example of timeless pieces, striking colours, and unexpected trends – it was a call to the world to appreciate the careful craft and creativity that goes into every fashion collection. London certainly lives up to its status as a fashion capital, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year!