7 Things You Need To Know About London Fashion Week
Ricardo Tisci Debuted At Burberry
It was the big event the industry was waiting for – Ricardo Tisci, formerly of Givenchy, debuted his first collection for British behemoth Burberry on Monday afternoon. A new logo and an Instagram revamp kept fashion fans guessing what the show would contain, and brand purists weren’t disappointed – split into three headlines, Refined, Relaxed, and Evening, there were traditional trenches galore; elegant, grown-up separates including pussy-bows; pencil skirts and piped blazers; and sophisticated cuts and tailoring in the mix. With 134 looks in total (the show displayed both men and womenswear) Tisci made an undeniable entrance.
Madonna Made A Surprise Appearance
It may not have been on the official LFW agenda, but special mention has to go to Madonna’s appearance at the Stella McCartney by Stan Smith launch. At a party celebrating the collaboration, Queen Madge was amongst the excited fans queuing to get her new sneakers signed by the designer himself, creating one of this week’s most snapped Insta moments; naturally, the collection only features vegan trainers, which goes a way to explaining the stir from animal-loving celebs (Ellie Goulding was also spotted in the crowd).
Victoria Beckham Celebrated 10 Years
It’s been a decade since the Queen of the WAGs underwent fashion’s greatest ever renaissance, and one glimpse at Victoria Beckham’s SS19 collection will put any lasting aspersions about hair extensions and Birkin bags to the back of your mind. Her first in London after seasons in NYC, her signature clean aesthetic and focus on versatility was celebrated with layering separates and practical tailoring, with functional tees, blazers and dresses all on the agenda. But more than the clothes, it was the Beckham clan in the FROW and an after party snapped on Insta featuring Posh Spice herself belting out Spice Up Your Life that got tongues wagging.
Anya Hindmarch Changed The Format
Fashion week as we know it involves plenty of, well, fashion, but Anya Hindmarch broke the rules this year by eschewing the traditional format in favour of an art installation. Dubbed the ‘chubby cloud’, an immersive experience set in the grand Whitehall Banqueting Suite saw guests don white protective jumpsuits and jump around in the world’s largest beanbag. But it wasn’t all fun and games – speakers including Derek Blasberg, Edie Campbell, Amelia Freer and Business of Fashion founder Imran Ahmed were enlisted to entertain reclining visitors. There may not have been a handbag in sight, but the overwhelming Instagram response means we’re likely to see more fashion-free Fashion Weeks in the future.
Rixo Elevated Its Status
Launched by two uni friends in a bid to create well-crafted, vintage-inspired pieces, Rixo has become the fashion world’s darling, with its statement designs at an affordable price point. Much like Alexa, SS19 marked a new era for the brand, with a debut LFW presentation enticing influencers and editors alike; from new signature sequin separates to the anticipated collaboration with personality Laura Jackson, the quirky supermarket set-up set Instagram alight.
Fur Was Officially Banned
Days before the event launched, organisers the British Fashion Council officially announced London Fashion Week would be fur-free from this season onwards. Bowing to pressure from Peta, who published an open letter demanding the BFC implement the rule in early September, the organisation declared all 80 design participants are now only permitted to use faux fur in designs. Campaigners and activists have famously protested against designers’ use of fur in the past, including storming the stage at Mary Katrantzou in February this year.
Alexa Chung Showed Her First Collection
She’s not the first model or TV personality to foray into designing, but no one could have predicted the industry’s positive response to the ALEXACHUNG collection. Launched in 2016, SS19 was the debut runway show for the It-girl’s collection, and it didn’t disappoint – clean lines, crisp white tailoring and feminine layering were all on the agenda, bringing a fresh, grown-up aesthetic to the habitually playful brand. Expect big things…
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