Dim The Lights, Hit The Old Glamour… Gucci AW12

This season, designers have been coming off their pastel-pretty clouds (that was SS12) and descended into a more dark, decadent kind of romance. Although Frida Giannini didn’t ride the pretty cloud last season, she has definitely gone for the AW12 dark romance.

The Gucci girls were powerful, sexy, and vintage. The equestrian feel of the cape, that laced up sheer blouse, and the rider boots brought a historical context in the show alive. No doubt an item from this collection will be represent a strong kick of olden day glamour in your closet. So, here are the best looks. Pick your favourite.  

Images: americanvogue.com

Disco Disco… HOT GLAM Meadham Kirchhoff AW12

The boys went all out… but that’s not new. What is new is this season’s brand of fun: full on Rocky Horror 1970s glam rock.

The clothes speak for themselves, this show was the perfect cherry (or Burberry bow if you will) on the London fashion week cake. Once again London has proven the highest standard in craft, creativity, and above all: diversity. Now it’s on to Milan Fashion Week… but before we get swept up in the Gucci of it all, it’s nice to look back on London and be able to say it was in every sense of the word, epic.

See the full collection at style.com

Images: style.com

Bow To The Queen: Mary Katrantzou AW12

Mary Katrantzou is to print what Oprah is to talk. Sure we see a lot of other great print collections (Peter Pilotto jumps to mind) but her secret lies in the construction. The print complements the construction complements the print. You get lost in a vortex so expertly created that it warps the body shape at times.

This season Mary worked with lighter colours than in previous years. Her use of white especially gave a very fresh optimistic feel to the clothes.

I said it earlier today. I’m changing my mind. This is my favourite show of the season so far.

See the full collection at style.com

Images: style.com

Burberry Prorsum AW12… with a bow on top.

Burberry shows are such a treat. This year the usual it-people looked on as Christopher Bailey played with shapes: There was always a nipped in waste (belted with a bow) followed by a flare. By flare I mean the peplum skirts, the poof of the poffa jackets, and the cut of the coats that seemed as if they had been just slightly inflated.

Corduroy was the predominant texture. Stripes subtly snuck in on bags, shirts and skirts while bows jumped to the shoulders and cute animals played on knits and shirts. There were even the odd unexpected florals here and there.

And then, after the last model disappeared there was silence. A crack of thunder sounded and rain began to pelt down on the glass roof. The audience sat in awe as they knew what was to come next: the traditional Burberry confetti began to fall and, for the first time in history being supported by the actual element, the models entered with their umbrellas for the finale.  

Click HERE to watch the video and go to the 14:50min mark to see the special moment – no doubt one of the most unique in runway history. We all know that there is no way Christopher Bailey could have planned an actual rain storm to begin at the exact right time… but then you must watch the video and ask yourself: could that really have been coincidence?

Head-to-toe images: americanvogue.com

Detail images: vogue.it

My New Fashion Love Affair: Erdem AW12

I’ve always thought Erdem clothes are pretty, but I never saw this coming. The AW12 show blew me away with it’s beautiful prints, amazing shoes, and high wasted pencil skirts. The way in which the pencil skirt is constructed to hide a part of the belt was my favourite part.

Looking at these outfits is like walking through a forest of fashion: there is beauty, light, and optimism. So far it’s my favourite show of the season.

Head-to-toe images: americanvogue.com

Detail images: style.com