Super Electric Party Machine didn’t disappoint and we ended up getting up a bit later than planned the next day.
SATURDAY
I felt Saturday called for more casual, layered outfit because it was cold and I was tired.
After some bad luck with our press passes, Danny and I hung out at Somerset House and he took some street style pictures.
We finished off the day sipping Prosecco in a swanky bar where unfashionable rich people looked down at us and drink tokens. I nearly asked if I could have a strawberry garnish but then thought better of it.
SUNDAY
On Sunday we got up early for the Mercedes-Benz Kiev fashion day. We were surprised to find no queue and to be offered front row seats, which we gladly accepted.
It was much easier to write and take pictures on my phone from this position and I was really pleased with the detail shots I got as the models passed in front of me.
First up was Anna K. Her pure and feminine white collection featured sheer organza blouses and dresses, practical shorts and trousers and a lot of frill trim. She had accessorized with plain black shoes and translucent bags.
My favourite piece was a maxi dress with squares cut out of the double organza layer that moved and caught the light as the model walked across the catwalk.
The second designer was Anton De. His casual collection of white, black, blue and metallic gold accents was quirky, cool and totally wearable. For me personally, the combinations didn’t work, my adventurousness in dress springs in a totally different direction.
LL was on next with an easy, sophisticated mix of tailored jackets and long dresses that hung beautifully and draped to reveal a shimmering pink lining. I also loved the custom jewellery that curved around the models’ necks and arms.
Lia Syn was probably my favourite designer from this showcase with her light and airy collection of dresses and skirt in neutral tones. There were a few chiffon details that added an air of romance but my favourite pieces were definitely the leather harnesses with their intricately crafted, metal hardware.
RCR Khomenko presented a jovial mix of outfits with a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of a child’s bedroom in the late 80s. I tend to appreciate slightly more concise collections and I don’t think I’d ever consider a loud cartoonish print but I can see a couple of these pieces being popular.
The last designer of the showcase was Yasya. Her focus was clearly on silhouette and details. The collection on the whole was clean and contemporary and the textured fabric, sculpted sleeves and coloured piping added a little bit of an edge.
The team at Fashion Scout after the show.
MONDAY
Monday started a bit slow. It was my last day at Fashion Week and I wasn’t looking forward to going back to Manchester, this was only made worse by the fact that I had to drag my suitcase around the show with me. It was worth it, however, as Monday’s show was my favourite of the whole week. If you follow my work you will probably be able to see why.
For me, Natasha Zinko had the most appealing tickets, set and show format. Even the champagne glasses at the presentation were beautiful.
This was not a catwalk show like most of the others we watched. It was a fashion presentation arranged around a large, white kiosk draped with giant snow drops and ivy and surrounded by patches smaller fake flowers and grass.
The models were dotted around a platform and would change positions at a ring of a bell. This magical setting allowed the audience to temporarily transcend into a different word of beauty and calm, I even forgot about my suitcase for a while.
Natasha managed to combine a variety of fabrics, colours and shapes, while still presenting a concise collection and definite theme. The doll-like models wore a variety of striped, checked, lace overlayed and textured fabrics, often paired with small hats. Pencil skirts, bibs and bustles featured heavily and boning was used to give garments a structured, feminine shape.
At night we went to a performance based event, presenting Bas Kosters’ SS14 collection.
Labelled a pioneer in outlandish print, Kosters prepared a food themed presentation and gave out drink tokens and sweet-filled peppers to guests.
The main event was a colourful, circus style performance featuring suits and spandex catsuits in food themed and striped prints. The styling included brightly coloured hair, glitter and face paint. Some characters also wore head-dresses as they all danced around on stage.
Also spotted in the crowd was celebrity stylist and DJ, Alexis Knox.
This trip has made me realise I should go down to London more often. I used to spend a lot of time there but over the past year or so I’ve become a bit of a hermit.
Misan had a great range of both natural and artificial leathers in various textures and colour combinations that I found really inspiring. I’m really into textures and juxtaposition this season so I’d love to be able to add some of these into my collection but aside from the fact that they are probably slightly out of budget, it’s also really hard to determine whether they are ethically sourced.
The cloth house is always great for jersey and knitted fabrics, there were at least 5 I’d love to add to my range but I’ve decided to keep it as simple as possible this time and focus more on the fabric story next year.
I also spotted this long pile, grey faux fur and light textured fabrics in the second Misan shop, further down the road. Faux fur is quite new to me as I’ve only recently decided it can look good. I love the feel and colour of this one but I’m not convinced on the price so I’m going to shop around a bit longer.
I bought two rings, one in opalite and one in faceted hematite. I think they go with my other “every day” rings and hopefully won’t discolour or irritate my hands. I was particularly happy because it only cost me £3 for the pair!
I decided to swap them round in the end and now wear them so the opalite and moon stone aren’t next to each other. I will take a better picture, without the gloves when I get the chance.
