By Cristina Boydell

From stylish cocktail parties to celebrity-studded runway shows, this fashion week season was a busy one!

I attended a lot of shows and events, and really tried to capture the atmosphere of the London scene.

Here is my full report for FAJO Magazine.

Street Style

I went to the Somerset House (the main location for London Fashion Week exhibitions and central show venue) to check out the street style trends. I saw many fashionistas wearing both current winter trends as well as the latest spring/summer ones – we were lucky enough to have sunny weather, making it easier to wear these upcoming looks!

Some of my favourite looks were printed blazers, pastels and mixed prints, as well as accessories, such as multi-rings, bright red pieces and floppy hats with killer heels/wedges. I loved being able to take in all the outfits from fashion editors, models and bloggers who ran from one show to the next.

The fashion shows

Maria Grachvogel

The Maria Grachvogel autumn/winter 2012 collection was a celebration of colour, print and texture. Grachvogel stuck with what she is known for – a relaxed, yet luxe, mixture of feminine elegance, contemporary glamour and signature draping. The colours were a mix of autumn neutrals and blacks, as well as rich shades of blue and green. The fabrics were satins, metallic lamés and tweeds. One of my favourite looks at the moment is shift dresses with statement necklaces, and these were seen across the runway in the form of deco and artwork print dresses. Overall, look out for a continuous trend of a lot of asymmetric shapes for the upcoming season.

At the Maria Grachvogel show.

Issa London

With high-fashion designer dresses and accessories from top designer Daniella Helayel, Issa London is a favourite of the Middletons. The brand was made particularly famous for the blue dress Kate wore to announce her engagement to Prince William. Although the Duchess wasn’t seen at this show, other exciting front rowers included Stephen Jones, Gemma Arterton, Camilla Al Fayed, Tinie Tempah and Leigh Lezark. Issa London’s collection had a Trans-Siberian Express style theme: think head-to-toe paisley prints, vibrant coloured dresses, knitted ponchos, beaded flapper dresses, velvet leggings and giant fur hats.

Roksanda Illnic

Roksanda Illnic’s runway show was held at the Institute of Directors in Piccadilly – Illnic is another favourite amongst power women, such as the Duchess and the First Lady. Waiting outside prior to entering the intimate venue, it was definitely a highly anticipated show within the fashion packs. Well-known U.K. fashion bloggers Liberty London Girl, Susie Bubble and A Girl A Style were all there to see the latest collection, while Mister Newton took photos of their outfits (along with top fashion editors) for his street style blog. The show had a 40s elegance meets 90s feel, and continued the current sports trend with hoods, paneling and puff jackets. It was a mix of luxe elegance, with accents of fur, white and embellishments. There were also unique pieces, such as two-tone backless dresses, ivory wool head-to-toe looks and tweed toppers with quilted down sleeves. The look was completed with dark dramatic eyes and undone buns for the hair and make-up.

The events and parties

Atis Artemjevs autum/winter 2012/2013 – Press & Buyers Reception

During London Fashion Week, luxury womenswear designer Atis Artemjevs showcased his latest collection with a private cocktail reception for press & buyers at his new shop on 143 Fulham Road. I was able to have a chat with the designer, who told me his history, from studying fashion in Italy to working with Armani. It was a stunning collection, including colourful cocktail dresses and full-length gowns fit for the Red Carpet. The tailored suit sets and unique layering of fabrics looked like true works of art. Artemjevs is said to have drawn “inspiration from the sun in its structure, energy and power,” and you could see the influence of Yves Saint Laurent and Armani in the vibrancy, shapes and structure of the garments.

Vogue.It party

Vogue Talents Cocktail Party was held at the Italian Institute in Belgrave Square for the International Fashion Showcase 2012, organised by Vogue Italia and Italian Cultural Institute London. It was a jam-packed event that presented eight emerging Italian designers in one room. The designers included the team behind A-Lab Milano, Alessandro Biasi and Simona Costa; Milan-based designer Silvio Betterelli; duo Tomaso Anfossi and Francesco Ferrari of Co/Te; and Antonio Romano and Francesco Alagna of Comeforbreakfast. We also witnessed clean lines in rare vintage fabrics from designers Caterina Gatta, and geometric-shaped jewelry from Martina Grasselli. Young designer Nicholas Julitta experimented with fabrics and materials, while Francesca Monaco and Salar Bicheranloo presented their luxury handbag brand, Salar. Models showcased the designers’ favourite looks, which included tailoring, drapery, lots of layers and knits in burnt autumn neutrals.

At the Vogue.It party.