London Fashion Week came at an interesting time for the United Kingdom. While some shows were canceled and reworked to pay respect to the passing of The Queen, other shows incorporated tributes into their shows and went forward. Although some well-known designers like Burberry did not perform, some new designers entered the scene and set the bar relatively high for future seasons. Overall, the collections were romantic, full of cheer, and party clothes.
Tops
Cutout Dresses
Bodycon gowns slipped into a super sultry era, full of bare skin bits created by cutouts. Strappy features around the bust barely wrapped up midriffs, and boned bodysuits all shared peek-a-boo bits of skin which was both fun and just a little bit risque. A perfect balance for summer!
Cool Cleavage & Strappy Tops
This sexy cool trend is not nearly a practical one, but it looks fantastic. Strappy details added to garments, namely tops, had models with tie-up details, completely up the arm, around the neckline, and even across the chest. Working in tandem with the strap-happy madness was an influx of cleavage that didn’t include a revealing amount of chest but instead showcased cutout tops, rhinestone necklines, and corsets dripping in detail.
One Shoulder
Visually, a one-shoulder silhouette is interesting, since it’s asymmetrical. Designers added an extra sexy touch by combining one-shoulder silhouettes with lace and silky smooth fabrics for a wearable lingerie effect. Perfectly draped dresses also paired well with one-shoulder looks.
Bottoms
One Shoulder
In full transparency, this train skirt style looked a bit like a high-low style and also a skirt with a tail, but as I took off the judgment glasses, I started to like the appeal that it brought to the table. Designers took full creative liberties, and some blended the two elements while others made them appear different. It started to make sense when I saw cascading sarongs and feathered trains, and it looked like way more than two designs that didn’t quite mesh.
Full Skirt
After seasons of slip dresses and sleek silhouettes, London went full send by pumping up the volume with fully flared skirts. I love the drama that a full skirt brings to the table. In New York, there was volume in pants and other garments, and in London, the bell skirt was showcased in ruffles, pleats, tulle, and more!
Mini Skirts
An influx of micro-mini hemlines took center stage last season, and in London, hemlines lengthened slightly. Mini skirts in delicate and feminine silhouettes, colors, and fabrics dominated the runway. On the opposite end of the spectrum, delicate mini skirts we offset by some designers with more edgy or futuristic designs with metallic fabrics (with a continuation of bubble hems, as seen at NYFW) and buckle details for an edgy touch.
Fabrics
Gathered Fabric
Ruffles and ruched details added volume and interest to many runway looks. From understated approaches to more ruched and ruffled moments, there is no denying that both details were on the designer’s minds.
Tulle
Special occasion dressing at its finest includes all the volume and drama that can only be achieved with the help of tulle. Layers of perfectly placed tulle in bold and beautiful colors brought life to the runway in a big way.
Grungy Denim
Denim is a fabric that wasn’t included in my NYFW trend report, but London is a different story. Acid-washed and bleached denim gave off an extra grungy look, one that London is known for combining with polished looks quite well.
Prints
British Motifs
British motifs became an unintentional ode to Queen Elizabeth after her passing. There was a healthy amount of quaint countryside prints, Union Jack graphics, and British references laced into the designs and fabrics from LFW. While it seems very on the nose, I appreciate keeping the culture alive and well, especially during a time when mourning after the loss of the Queen was still in full swing.
Polka Dots
I am simply including polka dots because I included florals in NYFW, if I’m being honest. Both are prints we all keep around. Polka dots never age out, and they continue to be a classic print. Polka dots in London varied from big to small, bold to understated. Polka dots are versatile and lend themselves to many styles.
C0lors
Green
We’re 2/2 on popular colors this fashion month, leading us to green. In NYC, the focus was on lime green, while in London, the hues of green ranged much more vastly. Subdued colors, as mentioned, of course, but also kelly, mint, and army green alongside the popular lime green worked together to green shades continuing appearing on the runway.
Muted Tones
Surprise: more talk about green is on the way! Chartreuse, sage, and dusty blue colors were particularly popular during London Fashion Week. Each color is skillfully paired with trenches and blazers, perfect for transitioning from winter into spring.
The lace, volume, colors, and strappy styles painted an image of fashion to look forward to in the coming months. There was an evident heaviness looming in London due to the unfortunate passing of Queen Elizabeth II, yet new designers stepped up to the scene and put their best foot forward to celebrate the life of the late Queen.
