The catwalks are prepped, the models have been perfecting their strut, and even the weather is showing signs of cooperation. Now that New York Fashion Week has come to its timely close, it’s only natural that we turn our attention to our country’s very own capital with the kick-off of London Fashion Week. As the Autumn/Winter 2016 shows start to get underway, we are keeping tabs on the major events to look out for and exactly what is going down in London town.
It’s not only the highly anticipated shows that have got people talking this season. Following several major designer’s decision to opt for the brand new model of ‘see now, buy now’ – aka seasonless collections – buyers, press and consumers alike are all in the midst of a major upheaval to the fashion game. From Burberry to Tom Ford and beyond, the rules of the catwalk are changing and it might require a little bit of adjusting to.
But before we start to ponder too much on the future of fashion, how about we focus on the here and now. London’s Fashion Week has been allocated the slot between Friday 19th and Tuesday 23rd February. Although mere fashion fanatics might not be allowed an access-all-areas run of LFW, the British Fashion Council will be broadcasting LFW footage on 60 screens across the UK, including the North, Scotland and areas around London, giving a potential audience of 37 million. No pressure.
In other news, Mulberry are set to hold their first fashion show since 2013 with Johnny Coca – Mulberry’s latest creative director since the departure of Emma Hill - making his debut on the catwalk, having previously shown un-publicized looks from his pre collection for the brand. What will he do for the iconic British brand, and will it top his work for Céline?
Today will also see the Central Saint Martins MA show take the stage, as audiences get to witnesses some of the emerging fashion talent of the future; will we be able to sport the newcomer to next year’s elitist fashion brigade, or are there any future creative directors in the midst? Central Saint Martins students aren’t the only new faces, as several nude, gas mask-wearing activists protested the use of fur in fashion outside the main show venue.
Sunday 21st is set to be a particularly exciting day with Vivienne Westwood, Belstaff and Paul Smith kicking off their shows on the afternoon.
As jam-packed, exciting and unpredictable as ever. You can bet that we’ll be keeping one eye on LFW from Cruise Head Office.