London Fashion Week 2017 included many memorable moments and introduced several trends. It took place, as always, right after New York Fashion Week, and the many of the fall trends that became in evidence on the NY runways continued on the catwalks of London. Below are some of highlights from the Fall 2017 season. Following the retail cycle, most of these looks are due to arrive in stores right after summer.
Neon and Sequins
Bling. It’s getting serious. It almost looked like designers wanted to blind people with all the sequin and neon clothing items that showcased in London. Halpern featured clothes inspired by disco glamour, while Molly Goddard splashed her items with acid colors. One look at Central Saint Martins’ line and you can see items that could have been worn by Boy George. Faustine Steinmetz, who is known to love denim, even glammed it up with a full sequin suit.
Politicking in the Runways
London designers also used London Fashion Week to express their views on various issues. (And there’s certainly a lot to have an opinion about these days.) Ashish continued with the sequined look, and they used the material to spell out slogans such as “Pussy Grabs Back” and “More Glitter Less Twitter.” Gareth Pugh had an all-back collection of tailored items as a response to the conflicts happening across the planet.
Models of All Ages
Some designers cast models who once would have been considered “too old” (whatever that means) to walk the runway. This new way of thinking was received with lots of applause. And the loudest applause was heard at the Simone Rocha show that featured women of all generations, which included Audrey Marnay and Benedetta Barzini. Gareth Pugh also cast Erin O’Connor to walk the runway.
Capes for Fall
While Burberry is known for their classic British trenches, the design company is also known for making capes. And that’s why Christopher Bailey featured capelets and capes made out of different materials that include lace and chain mail. The capes are available for custom order.
A Season for Cocktail Dresses
London Fashion Week 2017 also featured a lot of beautiful cocktail dresses. Christopher Kane featured pieces that had sequins and floral appliques in most of his finale frocks. J.W. Anderson showed an artsy line with chain mail-trimmed and feathered pieces. Anderson was full of ideas that included the use of contrasting fabric and peek-a-boo cutouts.
Mary Katrantzou and Erdem brought up dresses that were glittery, beaded, and sequined. They cocktail frocks will be popular on the party circuit. On the other hand, Roksanda didn’t use a lot of glitter on dresses, but the design house provided bright colored dresses that will surely be loved by shoppers in the near future.
From the complex ideas that were featured on the runways of J.W. Anderson to the red primrose patterns of Simone Rocha, last LFW showcased new concepts that are wearable not just in London, but all across the globe.
Stay tuned, because London Fashion Week Spring 2018 is set for September 15 – 19, 2017.
##
