Emerging Trends of London Fashion Week SS15

So for another season, London Fashion Week has come and gone in a flash, ironically pre-shaping everything from high fashion to high street for many months ahead, dominating the fashion cycle as it has for many years prior and many years to come. You may be wondering whats beginning to loom this season, both trend wise and more wholistically for London as one of the key fashion capitals of the world.

Firstly, the reign of the digital era is permeating into presentations and shows alike. This was evident not only through the flourishing BFC digital presentation space but also through a personal encounter on the 2nd row of Holly Fulton, where I sat next to two professionals working for the BFC focusing on all things digital; researching the current digital presence at LFW and how the experience may be enriched in the future. Surreal as it is that fashion looks so far into the future, even more so with attendees researching for AW15!

As a freelance creative director and photographer, I begin collecting editorial ideas for the upcoming season soon after fashion weeks are over and when possible, will attend the shows myself. There are many facets to attending shows that I find beneficial-  noting the movement/ texture/ colour intensity of fabrics, casting of models, venue contrasted with the collection, the press release explaining the direction of inspiration; all useful elements when constructing editorial concepts.

The most prominent trends that I envision emerging from SS15 (based on what I've witnessed in person and on Style.com!) include:

Distressed Hemlines as seen at Marques' Almeida and Prada.

Sheer as seen at Issa and Mary Katrantzou.

Stark Monochrome as seen at Jean-Pierre Braganza and KTZ.

Shades of Green as seen at Erdem and Tom Ford

Sex Appeal Metallics as seen at Emilio de la Morena and Tom Ford.

Colour Panelling as seen at Peter Pilotto and Marques' Almeida

Valentino: Master of Couture at Somerset House

My latest exhibition trip was to Valentino: Master of Couture. With a designer and subject matter of such prestige and talent, I had high expectations of the show, especially to be gracing the rooms of Somerset House- the hub of London Fashion Week.

Amidst the fumes of fabulously dressed older women fragranced by Chanel No. 5, I was reminded of my time spent in Milano, the birthplace of Valentino. There is an unquestionable air of Italian craftsmanship in all of his pieces; whether it may be a zebra print 60s creation or an elegant little black dress, Italian refinement -like no other- is a distinct quality affiliating every one of his pieces.

In addition to number of letters, a video of Valentino and a fascinating insight to the production of his creations, the 'catwalk' was undoubtedly the key component of this exhibition. Over 100 of his pieces lined the walls of the rather long and narrow space. It was displayed in a very literal manner, with a small booklet offered with the numbers of the pieces and physical description as you weave your way around the crowds.

I do however feel that based of the title of the show 'Master of Couture' it would have been even more insightful to have more details of the 'catwalk' section in the booklet- perhaps a little more on the wearer of the dress, a quote or two or an image on the mannequin. I really do appreciate something to take home and treasure for many years to come.

This show would be of interest to a diverse spectrum; unifying to witness one of the most successful and accomplished couturiers in existence.

Whether it may be inspiration or aspiration, the fashion industry is one which continues to seduce, assembled by a provenance of desirable opposites- both realistic and unrealistic, attainable and unattainable- proving that dreams and visions will enchant our creativity and imagination for many years to come.

www.aliceluker.co.uk

Is all that we see or seem, but a dream within a dream? -Edgar Allen Poe