London Fashion Week: Everything You Need to Know and Own From Day 2

I sincerely wish I can get my hands on those bling trim socks at Simone Rocha sooner than later. The cape would be next in line- a curved closure, and embellished trim can easily dress up a pair of some coated black skinny jeans. Unfortunately, I’m not a huge fan of copious lace and ruffle, so several looks wafted by without much attention from me. I wouldn’t mind getting my hands on that velvet coat though!
I’m a sucker for retro color schemes, and Mother of Pearl (creative director Maia Norman) flaunted chocolate browns and blush pinks mixed with black and white in attempts to lure me in. While I’m not keen on the ruffles, the silhouettes are fairly on point with what I prefer to wear. They’re loose and sporty, but the fabrics remain high end and dressy. Thos is not a collection that will draw stares and catcalls. Meaning: I love it.
Ports 1961 is something I imagine wearing at my first gallery exhibit. It’s simple with a twist. The tailoring is impeccable, and the pieces don’t require anything to “dress them up” because the whole point is that you look cooler than a model-off-duty. And you do. Those leather tied-up slip-ons made my heart flutter. And that elongated pom-pom encrusted vest! It’s an ultimate understated statement piece that I can see wearing with the most casual outfit underneath. I’m happy to skip the lace outfits, simply because I’m just not a full-on lace person.
Is it me or is a moving conveyor belt for a runway at House of Holland the coolest thing ever? Another coolest thing ever? The shiny black top and skirt combo. While the flashier striped looks made me wonder how much of a bumble-bee I’d look, the muted colors and awesome outerwear looked perfect for every day. The trench with a navy fur collar would look perfect with some light wash jeans if perhaps a bit ’90s. And while I’m not huge on fur, the multicolor Mongolian fur coats look fabulous! They’re more than perfect for awful New York weather. And for the clubs.
Would I wear that opening dress at Ashley Isham? Probably not, but I’d sport the hat just to peacock shamelessly. The hats were absolutely fantastic, by the way! Hat subject aside, a red yarn trimmed cream knit turtleneck and skirt beg to be worn. That red trim was later seen on another black knit wrap sweater, this time with tiny red pom-poms. A wonderful black and white beaded cape would be amazing over a long black gown for an evening out. And because we’re on the subject of dresses, a beautiful red number with a large twisted knit scarf/shoulder covering would be a top choice for an edgy evening look.
I’m pretty vocal of my love for menswear inspired pieces, so Youjia Jin naturally provides me with immense satisfaction. That soft cashmere blend cable-knit sweater with my now favored skants (skirt-pants) look is divine.
Some great separates at Apu Jan, complete with an excellent black and white floral print that is intricate enough for the most flower-averse to appreciate. The slouchy knit dress belongs in my casual closet. It’s perfect for NYC! In fact, almost all the knits are exuberantly arresting!
The captivating embellished skirt and the outerwear are a spectacular addition from Pavane!
While Timur Kim made me want a checkmark hat, I deem the knit-over pants and the patchwork of textures and fabrics more wearable.
Tom Ford wasn’t the only one to fill a runway with fluttery nature remnants. Jesper Konran‘s runway was appropriately lined with rustling golden leaves. I sincerely appreciated the tights paired with these looks, because honestly, it’s too chilly without them! So, points to being real. As far as the clothing, I see many trusties in the bunch. My go-to loose sweaterdress reincarnates in several different fabrics and styles. I can also appreciate a good retro pop of mustard yellow and chocolate brown as in the flower print skirt and polka dot blouse.
Peter Jensen did a fun attack with pop-art like pieces. The bright yellow coat/skirt ensemble gets a big yes nod from me. So does the pussy-bow blouse in a fun watercolor smudge print. My love for this color palette is further confirmed knowing that the rust brown and white dog (same colors as my pup) fits with the outfits.
Although the unruly and wild Sibling attitude is something I could more easily identify with when I was younger, there were still several pieces I can see in my closet from this collection. One being a large, fringed black cardigan with a chain closure on top. The unraveling sweater dresses and knit ensembles stole my heart by being loud without being obnoxious.
I feel a bit unable to identify with Orla Kiely‘s librarian outfits, considering most will definitely make me look a bit like a kooky grown-up schoolgirl wannabe. The collection is very concise, and at times too literal. There are several pieces that I’m able to picture on myself: a wonderful long frock in a micro-print, a yellow mohair coat, and even an above the knee fit and flare number – in black, of course.
A perforated black and red dress with fringe at Julien Macdonald oddly reminds me of the Proenza Schouler AW15 closing dress, so my natural gravitation toward it might be carried over from ingrained excitement. Then again, it deserves recognition on its own simply because it looks excellent! Also in the top ranks: a green and black embossed zip front vest dress.
The sweetest ensemble paraded down the Holly Fulton runway! While I’m not typically into saccharine dreamy, I thoroughly enjoyed the printed roses and the rose fold pockets. Also, have you noticed the cat print dress?? Yes, I’m into it.
The shiny, quilted fabric used on the outerwear at Danielle Romeril stole my heart.
At Lucas Nascimento, it was the tinsel trim sweaters and dresses that looked arresting.
While I’m normally a devout JW Anderson fan, this season’s collection didn’t satisfy me as it usually does. I did find a printed pink, gray, black and white pullover charming. The gathered leather skirt with the wolf print top also appealed as everyday natural wear.
1205, in the meantime, looked like my type of uniform! Simple, draped and loose silhouettes, cinched at opportune spots. A wide light checked pant and a white top with pleated lower sleeved was right up my alley.
For the evening, I can see myself choosing quite a few pieces from Zeynep Kartal‘s collection. A clever white cape top over a slim fitting dress (or pants) looked refreshing.
While I already saw Mimi Tran‘s collection during NYFW, it was nice to relive the experience and get reacquainted with the clothes. The opening black romper is a top choice for a quickly dressed up night out.
Let’s talk about some excellent prints. Soojin Lee‘s were fantastic! The column dress with ruffle bottom instantly transformed my frazzled being into a serene state. Also, that gray mohair and knit zip-up would look amazing with a pair of jeans and black boots.
Judy Wu wasn’t shy to mix up plenty of fabrics and textures. A 35434578 was a complete knockout. So was the closing dress, boasting embellished leather flowers perched on a shoulder and opposite corner bottom hem.
At Faustine Steinmetz‘s art installation show, the pieces were worthy of the gallery experience! The denim looks like it’s an oil painting from far away. Looking up close, the fibers are meticulously brushed out (and then sealed with silicon paint). I’ve never seen anything like it, and this tops my list as an item I’d love to see in my closet!
While I’m a lover of all black, the soft shades in Emilia Wickstead‘s collection quickly convert me. Not only are the pieces impeccably feminine while remaining structured, the fabrics are so luxurious! Just look at the light blue coat draped over cream trousers and blouse!
Nataliya Ogle

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Nataliya Ogle likes making sure others live to their full potential. She publishes articles on her primary website styletomes.com and works as a freelance writer for other women's interest sites. Her physical body is in New York but her presence can almost always be found online. The internet is her first love.

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