“London is one of the few cities where people still dress properly.” — Tom Ford

 
One of the most anticipated and dynamic fashion weeks in the world is once again behind us.

What was my first stop this season? Somerset House, of course. I checked out the street style before heading to the first show on my list — DAKS. On the way into the British Fashion Council’s tent, I spotted a diversity of outfits from chic and sleek blacks and sporty high-tops, to quirky head-to-toe mixed prints, accessorized with unique heels, handbags, coats and hats. I always love checking out how LFW goers showcase their diverse personal style!

Some street style ahead of the shows

DAKS — modern classics

Holder of three Royal Warrants, DAKS was founded 100 years ago and has always been synonymous with British heritage, timeless style and sophisticated elegance. Best known for their iconic House Check, DAKS presented a modern collection with a mix of neutral colours and textiles, including black, white and shades of beige with hints of pale pink.

The shapes were romantically large, flowy and airy this season, while fabrics ranged from knitwear to leather and cotton. Similar to Burberry, DAKS is renowned for their classic trench coats — a mix of chic, metropolitan feel and function in the London weather!

On the runway at Daks.

Accessories galore

Between shows, I was invited to a Meet and Greet with emerging accessories designers in the designer showrooms, which were divided into jewelry, footwear, hats, sunglasses, scarves and handbag sections.

My favourite stands included Jane Carr’s Fireflies collection, which featured luxury silk, wool and cashmere scarves with six different design themes (Mandala, Tribe, Love, Sarape, Chains and The Cashmeres); Aurora Ozma’s Haute Ritualistic Avant-Surrealist headwear; Victoria Spruce footwear; and “tropical souvenirs” with Maria Francesca Pepe jewelry.

Nothing is impossible

Next stop? Off to check out the Red Label’s spring/summer 2014 show by Vivienne Westwood. You could feel the hype among the fashion crowd upon arrival at the Kings Cross venue. The press, stylists, photographers and celebrities flocked to the scene to see the “Impossible.” Impossible.com is founded by Westwood and her long-term collaborator and friend, renowned model Lily Cole, who both believe in environmental and climate change.

I sat right behind the FROW, which included British singer Paloma Faith and Twilight-star Anna Kendrick, who both wore tartan in honour of the designer.

Never one to shy away to reveal her social and political views in public, Westwood began the show with an interpretive dance by Lily Cole in a floor-dropping flowy dress, and continued to highlight the climate change theme throughout the show. The collection included her trademark dresses, shifts, florals and unique tailoring.

Meeting Carine Roitfeld

Outside the official London Fashion Week schedule, I had booked tickets to see Mademoiselle C, the documentary on Carine Roitfeld (editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris  for 10 years and recently named global fashion director of Harper’s Bazaar. The documentary was directed by R.J. Cutler (The September Issue) and stars Vogue’s Anna Wintour, so I was very excited to see the screening at the Institut français in London and to attend the live Q & A afterwards with Roitfeld herself.

It was an inspiring insight into the creative and personal life of Roitfeld post-Vogue Paris, while she was embarking on the launch of her own magazine, CR Fashion Book. In both English and French (with subtitles), Mademoiselle C features big names in the fashion and celebrity industries, including models, singers and actors — all friends and colleagues of Roitfeld.

Carine Roitfeld is widely considered to be a fashion icon. Here she is pictured with Karl Lagerfeld at the 2012 amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS in France. Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com

Afterwards it was interesting to hear her advice for those trying to break into today’s fashion industry — that it is now very difficult and competitive with fashion blogs and the rise of social media. She highlighted how she likes to support young talent who are the future.

P.S. If you watch the film, you will learn that if she wasn’t a famous fashion editor/stylist, her dream would have been to become a ballerina.