In London, many events happen throughout the same period but if you happen to pass by a fashion event you will always know.
The giveaways are - primarily the dress code, this is most definitely not standard formal wear, then there is the amount of photographers present. However, the most obvious thing is the sheer amount of people attempting to get run over by standing in the street to a be photographed. Whoever said the fashion world isn’t slightly mad has clearly not spent enough time living in it.
Manuel Facchini
I always say that one of the things I like most about Manuel Facchini is that he really embraces femininity and the sensuality of a woman...women look like women which is definitely not always the case in the current sea of androgynous fashion.
This season the collection is a bit different to his previous ones, still very feminine but a lot softer and more luxurious. The last few collections felt very powerful and dominant, in this the woman still feels bold but in a softer more sensual manner. The lines are more flowing, there’s a bit less structure but there’s a hell of a lot of stunning workmanship.
Some of these pieces are works of art, designed to take you to ultimate event. There were dresses of different lengths, playsuits, trousers and top combos but all retaining that elegance.
Ashish
At Ashish, prior to walking in, the security guards made sure to point out a warning plastered to the wall - there was to be a snake participating in this fashion show.
The show space at the official BFC catwalk area was transformed into a dazzling place with fairy lights everywhere. The theme was an Indian Wedding. For SS17 Ashish has decided to look back at his roots for inspiration.
Since this was Ashish, sequin fabric was, of course, omnipresent and it came in all forms with loose t-shirts, beautiful ‘Old Bollywood’ style veils, shorts, dresses and much more. The models presented a beautiful sparkling vision in these stunning clothes and adorned with jewels head-to-toe.
He stepped out at the end of the show wearing a sweater with the words IMMIGRANT, his message was clear, this show was about marriage and harmony between different cultures.
Aspinal of London
Attending the Aspinal presentation meant walking into the world-famous Claridge's only to be greeted by the cutest imaginary world. Details such as a sweet truck with cupcakes. pink bicycles, a terraced house structure displaying beautiful handbags from the window, a huge pink cabinet wardrobe and a pink telephone box had all been created to form part of this world.
This British luxury, heritage handbag brand is renowned for quality and for paying attention to the finer details. Pink is an important colour for this collection for Aspinal, they're gone for pretty, girlish nostalgia, feminine details such as romantic florals and sugar colours with exotic prints. They drew on pretty places in London for inspiration - places such as Notting Hill, Hampstead,
Marylebone and Primrose Hill. The result is a high quality, fresh and darling summer collection that is sure to capture the hearts of many women.
The classic shapes and darker colours still retain their place in the Aspinal world of course and these form part of the Dockery Collection. This collection is a collaboration between Aspinal and British actress Michelle Dockery who some might know better as Lady Mary Crawley. The collection combines traditional craftsmanship with a modern silhouette.
Daks
At Daks, classic shapes and darker hues were presented for both men and women. Sharp tailoring was one of the main focuses as they drew inspiration from their own heritage roots but there was also diversity within the collection.
Traditional British elements such as check patterns were present but there were also some Indian-inspired numbers and Indian jewellery.
I particularly liked the peg trousers, and the floor-length ruffles gowns. The colour palette was made of rich hues such as burgundy and burnt orange. Orange in general, is set to be a main colour trend for next summer.
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