Jasper Conran


Look, you don’t really go to a Jasper Conran show expecting cutting-edge fashion. I’ll admit I didn’t really feel like going to it either, I had plenty of work waiting for me at home. But I’m of the opinion that, if I get an invitation to a show, and I’m able to go, I’ll go. Who am I to be turning people down? So I went and I’ll admit that was pleasantly surprised. Big silk ballooning capes (on the ever so lovely Sessilee Lopez), sharply tailored dresses with risqué sheer panel cutouts and a big knitted orange bolero jacket over a grey dress were just a few of the nice touches Jasper Conran brought in this very solid collection. All looks here.

Matthew Williamson


Matthew Williamson‘s show was one of the hottest tickets of the week, so I was pretty pleased to get an invitation this season. I’m a big MW fan, having interviewed the man a few years ago for ELLE (see portfolio) and own a lovely dress which I wore to my brother’s wedding, so I’m very excited to see him showing back in London (for however long that may be).
After being whisked off in the fashion bus all the way to the other side of town, we got to the grand Lawrence Hall, where there was a real buzz… Close friend Sienna Miller as well as Olivia Palermo (who was literally EVERYWHERE this week – much to the annoyance of the non-MTV generation, who had no idea who she was) graced the front row. There were actual gasps when the first model came out in a demure grey ruffled outfit – surely this was not the season where Williamson, Master Of All Things Bright And Sparkly, would go for a drastic change in look? This was definitely a more grown up, sophisticated collection than we’re used to, but he’s not forgotten his loyal customer completely. It wasn’t long before the mini partydresses, white booties and fur coats over bare legs came running out. Perfect for winter in Ibiza, surely? It’s good to see the man and his collection growing up together with his customers.

Todd Lynn



Most random celeb-spot of the week came at Todd Lynn‘s show. I still can’t quite figure out why the hell Janet Jackson was there… Apparently she flew in especially for this show. But, this is really beside the point. Todd Lynn was back to his usual dark, gothic self and it was glorious. He is really unapologetic about his somber, often unisex style and about his use of fur and leather. I think of him as a more wearable Rick Owens, which is really a great compliment. There was again plenty of focus on the shoulder with tailored leather or fur shoulders, very, very finely cut trousers (again often in leather) and the shoe collaboration with Christian Louboutin that will have the men craving an iconic red sole as much as women next season. The knee-high lace up boots for men are just were so cool you just saw all the male editors drawing up their shopping list then and there. In fact, all the men’s clothes really did almost take the shine over the womenswear, perhaps Todd Lynn should consider moving expanding his men’s line even further. Full collection here.

Louise Goldin

The Champagne and Chambord may have been flowing freely all week long, but food seems to be somewhat of a desperate matter at the shows this season. So thank god for the Topshop show venue, where you can always count on some of the best little bites pre-show. So after a particularly long day, Louise Goldin‘s show was one I’d been looking forward to for some time, not only because I’d been starving for 3 days, but because she’s one of the coolest cats around. The Topshop café did not disappoint once again, and happily filled up on an amazing Artichoke and Gruyere soup and a fresh Apple and Rhubarb Juice (too much detail?), I felt ready again for probably one of the best shows of the week.
What this girl manages to do with knitwear is just unbelievable. One time she’ll transform the fabric to a rigid, 3D shape, the next she’ll have lots of texture or the softest cashmere. Her whole look was very Star-Trek-Meets-Balenciaga, with lots of sci-fi elements, little coloured cycle shorts peeking just from underneath the mini-dresses and sequined leggings. Between the plenty of editorially great but commercially difficult pieces, there were flashes of a more sensible Goldin, with very clever pieces like this blue coat with fur lining and plenty of cashmere sweaters with leather inserts or little pockets. One of my favourite shows of the week, by far. See the full collection (and I strongly suggest you do) here.

Next up was the Julien Macdonald, which I refuse to spend more words on than I need to. Despite having a ticket, me and plenty of others were the victims of extremely bad organisation, so I refuse to give these PR’s any coverage which they did not deserve. If you want to see what it was like, then I’m sure you can find it yourself. Unfortunately, this debacle made me miss out on the Meadham Kirchhoff show too, so in an extremely bad mood, I called it a day.

All images my own or via www.londonfashionweek.co.uk