London Fashion Week: Day 4 Highlights

CHRISTOPHER KANE

ERDEM

TEMPERLEY 

ANTONIO BERARDI

Temperley's trip to Havana for Spring/Summer 2016

The whether hasn't really got any better, yet the spring fashions have started to appear in magazines and in the shops everywhere. One of my favourite ss2016 shows from London Fashion Week was Temperley - and after you've read this catwalk report, this collection will be your favourite too...

Alice Temperley took us on a whirlwind trip to Cuba, or more specifically Old Havana for her spring/summer 2016 show. The vast Atlantic Ocean may separate London from the enchanting, colourful capitolio of Cuba, but that didn’t stop the joyful, holiday spirit of the clothes shining through in what was a captivating and beautiful collection.

Temperley opened the collection playing to her design strengths, with her classic cotton sundresses covered in beautiful broderie anglaise and intricate embroidery, with a carefree bohemian feel. Loose silhouettes and delicate ruffles added a touch of romance, while halter necks, v-necks and boat necks were experimented with to great success on a variety of tropical tiered dresses. There was plenty to admire with pretty floral prints, inspired by the delicate studies of Canadian wildlife photographer Robert Polidori, featuring on floor length skirts and a-line midi dresses which would certainly please Temperley’s loyal customers, such as model Laura Bailey, Natalie Massenet and Caroline Winberg, who were all perched on the perfectly poised front row. 

 

If anything, this collection was a radiant blaze of colour, celebrating the scorching summer temperatures and cultural richness of Havana, formerly known as Villa de San Cristóbal de la Habana. From the mint greens, cerulean blues and lemon drop yellows which gave way to grown up pastel pink and elegant monochrome; the clothes ran seamlessly through the colour spectrum and reflected a steady transition from day to evening wear.

Models casually strolled down the catwalk, with a light and breezy air with some wearing raffia fedora hats, complete with a black band around the rim – very Cuba circa 1950s! While hair was tied back loosely in a low slung ponytail. Some looks were accessorised with a matching silk scarf, worn carelessly around the neck, a nice throwback to Temperley’s last spring/summer 2015 collection, while the gladiator sandals which crawled up to the knee were an instant must have item – especially when worn with a gently bronzed tan.

As the collection progressed the mood changed from fairly relaxed to much more glamorous and sophisticated, yet still held onto the shows vivacious spirit, which according to Temperley, reflected the, ‘forbidden yet tempting fantasy of island life.’ High waist shorts were paired with pastel crop tops, sheer tunic dresses were covered in silver palm tree leaves, monochrome polka dots and stripes featured on wide legged culottes while small flashes of midriff and décolletage were as daring as Temperley ventured  for show stopping evening wear. A silk kimono dress covered in a tropical parrot print was one of the more interesting looks while the clear highlight of the collection was the mirrored, metallic evening dress which shimmered across the floor, matching the giant glitter ball which hung above the catwalk.

And then before we knew it the holiday was over and a triumphant Alice Temperley was taking her final bow, to the jubilant applause of a very satisfied audience.  

http://www.temperleylondon.com/content/spring-2016-collection

LFW: Burberry, Erdem, Christopher Kane and more...

Burberry
Sienna Miller, Cara Delevingne, Kate Moss, Benedict Cumberbatch and Suki Waterhouse were just some of the big names who sat front row at the Burberry Spring/Summer 2016 show. With a 20 strong orchestra at the brands normal Kensington Gardens venue, this Burberry collection was simple and stylish. There were no bright pastel colours or broderie-anglaise as seen at previous seasons, but more easy black jackets and white summer dresses with pretty sleeves and minimal detailing. Of course, there was some classic trench coats which came with a hard edge with military styled buttons and rucksacks models wore on their backs. But overall, Christopher Bailey presented a collection which was extremely wearable and chic. Sandals and ankle cage heels were also a nice touch for summer and added to the more relaxed aesthetic of this Burberry girl.

Models looked natural with minimal make-up adding to the no fuss attitude of this collection. There were floral mini dresses, perfect for the day and a couple of dramatic black capes for a cold, spring evening. I loved the lemon coloured mini dress covered in frills worn by Binx Wilson as well as the sheer fabrics which were draped over body suits and on dresses and vest tops. Shapes were slouchy but nipped in at the waist to highlight the figures of the models, while funky leather jackets and stylish over-sized coats will serve as the perfect cover up come next year.

Personally, it wasn't as good as last year or the amazing spring 2014 collection which I still lust over, but nevertheless it was a good show for Burberry and lived up to the hype created on social media. This brand is such an iconic label for British fashion, and it's clear from the reception its received that this show will be one of highlights of London Fashion Week so far.

Christopher Kane
So much colour, so much excitment, so many ra-ra skirts... Christopher Kane collection was so enjoyable to watch and so fun too! Splashes of colours - pink, yellow, blue and black were splattered across a-symmetric dresses, loose jersey tops and cropped bomber jackets in what looked like an explosion in a paint factory. There were pieces reminiscent of his past season, where naked men and women in geometric shapes were adorned onto slip dresses but this time it was more Elmer the elephant-esque. I loved all the tassels on the skirts and jumpers while the shoes were amazing too. I didn't expect this from Kane and it was a nice surprise!

  
Alice Temperley
Usually I don't tend to pay much attention to Temperley, even though I know that it's a moved loved British brand. But this collection was so beautiful and intricately astounding that I couldn't ignore it and it is so far one of my surprise highlights of LFW. Inspired by the culturally enriching city of Havana, Alice Temperley focused on lace day dresses, panama hats, soft pastel colours and a lot of beautiful embroidery. Every dress had a different design and feel to it, covered in flowers, zig-zags, Aztec patterns and ruffles. The floor length sequined dress at the end of the show was gorgeous and the amazing knee high gladiator sandals are now high on my summer wish list. In fact if I could I would snap up this whole collection because I could literally see myself in every piece. Fantastic!

Erdem
The overall atmosphere of this collection was darkly mysterious and intriguing as well as beautiful and classic Erdem. There were plenty of digital inspired prints on tight dresses which bared the shoulders and focused on a more streamlined silhouette. The dresses moved beautifully, especially those covered in layers of feathers and chiffon while the floral designs were summery and sleek. Neckties were another key theme of this show, something we've seen previously at New York Fashion Week while the laid back glam of Erdem was a hit once again.

Mary Katrantzou
So much print - it's no wonder they call her the queen of prints! Mary Katrantzou was inspired by the stars and the solar system for her latest collection, which was light and wearable as well as detailed and full of colour. Mini dresses had a loose and fluid shape to them which were paired with sparkly tights while the graphic lines of this collection were also a standout feature.

Issa
I don't know an awful lot about Issa, but judging by this collection, its a label which celebrates the more beautiful things in life. Wrap dresses with geometric patterns looked perfect for the every day working woman while the white transparent dresses and trousers looked so effortlessly glamorous on the models. The pristine white jumpsuit worn by Lily Donaldson was my favourite look while the orange and burgundy lace up booties were a covetable item for the spring. I really enjoyed the simplicity and beauty of this show and am now a self proclaimed Issa fan.