MCARTHURGLEN’S FASHION WEEK AMBASSADOR TALKS US THROUGH ALL THE TRENDS YOU NEED TO KNOW FROM LONDON FASHION WEEK.

Known for unabashed creativity, commitment to supporting emerging designers and the ability to throw a raucous party, London Fashion Week never disappoints. This season the energy was palpable with a mash-up of historical influences – from Henry VIII-style tiered-sleeved, silk plisse blousons at J.W. Anderson to retro styling at Osman. There were crocs on the runway (thanks Christopher Kane!), a spectacular collision of folklore and goth influences at Preen, and Christopher Bailey’s revolutionary ‘see now buy now’ concept for Burberry; resplendent with English-aristo pyjamas and classic smoking jackets.

Never one to shy away from lavish embellishment, the Ashish show is always a carnival-esque riot of fantastical party-wear with a heady dose of cool. This season the Delhi-born designer drew on his love for ‘Bollywood pop culture’ with a myriad of embroidered pieces, metallics, prints and plenty of sequins – as well as a live snake!

Meanwhile, clean tailoring with a feminine twist reigned supreme at Osman. His masterful draping has seen the likes of Taylor Swift in his designs and this season’s pared-back cuts and fluid shapes, from cropped trousers to retro dresses in a palette of pale pastels, were FROW noteworthy.

At Roksanda Spring/Summer 2017’s fit-and-flare silhouettes were rendered in stunning hues from burnished gold to acid yellow, purple and cinnamon. Tailored jumpsuits and wide-legged trousers were complemented by an exquisite finale of dresses strewn with ostrich feathers. As Christopher Kane said, of his own collection, it’s all about “looking back to go forward,” a phrase which aptly sums up London Fashion Week’s playful, yet sincere and boldly creative momentum this season.

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