London Fashion Weekend in association with ELLE by Samata Angel

As the final instalment for my official London Fashion Week coverage for Fashion Capital I went to the London Fashion Weekend in association with ELLE, a 6 day extravaganza which ran from the Wednesday 4^th March - Sunday 9^th.

Whilst Milan Fashion Week is raging, the London Fashion Weekend offers the perfect alternative for fashion obsessed folk keen to see shows and translate trends from catwalk to closet. Discerning shoppers, bargain hunters, press and all shades in between were given the opportunity to preview the hottest looks of Spring/Summer and pick up some great pieces one-off pieces.

The schedule was action packed each day giving shoppers numerous options including the option of simply sitting down and sipping champagne at the Chambord champagne bar. A particular favourite for me were the fashion clinics running all day everyday which included ‘ELLE's Insider Trends ‘ with Bonnie Rahkit from Elle's Fashion Editorial Team, who shared key season look insight, ‘A trip into the life and wardrobe of Madonna' by Ted Owen, curator of the Madonna exhibition, and Andrew Mellon's ‘How to Shop' guide tips. I also absolutely loved the ‘Stylist Session' offer which allowed misguided shoppers with the opportunity to be advised on their wardrobe according to their budget, taste and figure for a mere £15!

Official make up sponsor Elizabeth Arden were offering a fantastic 10% discount on all products for the fashion weekenders and there were some cool eco-friendly goody bags, courtesy of Richard Nicholl (with £1 from each bag bought going to the Environmental Justice Foundation).

Catching up with make up artist Ayo

Visitors had the opportunity to flit between runway shows, fashion clinics and exhibitors' stands. Platinum card holders had the added bonus of access to the VIP lounge which included to die for goody bags (Aspinal diaries, Spa Secrets, Kurt Keiger flip flops, need I go on?!) with event sponsors including Elizabeth Arden, Chambord, Lavazza, handbag.com, Miele and LG. VIP's also had the opportunity to be made over by Rachel Hodgetts who used Elizabeth Arden's mineral makeup range.

Whilst wondering around the exhibition some of the top brands that I caught my eye included shoe brand Finsk. The brand was launched by Julia Lundsten who has made a name for herself as one of the most promising and talented shoe designers and has shoe guru Manolo Blahnik in a spin, ‘I am captivated by her work. It is like nothing anybody is doing at the moment, exquisite, divine, perfect.' The Royal College of Art graduate's collection derives inspiration from natural architecture and uses only leather that is bi-product from other industries. Definitely a shoe brand to watch out for and that you would not feel too guilty wearing or splurging out on!

In the accessories vein, a great handbag brands I came across were luxury leather bag range Charlotte Vasberg created by the Central St Martin's graduate, and Ignes bags, the latter offering customers the opportunity to customize a handbag to exact specifications by selecting a design of your choice, leather, lining, hardware and even having your name engraved inside. A very cool buy, especially for those fashionistas who like to know no one else will have the bag swinging on their arm or clutched in their hand.

Charlotte Vasberg

Ignes bags

Despite the overwhelming presence of great accessories brands there were clothing brands galore to catch my attention, from the Emporio Made in Italy which was home to Vivienne Westwood, to Ben de Lisi to Michael Kors. There were great giveaways including giveaways of designer jeans at the Miele stand, with a competition offering the winner the opportunity to have their design enter the created by Project Catwalk winner Jasper Garvida.

Nadia Lala of Nadia Lala Accessories

The feedback from the exhibitors was mixed but all positive in varying degrees, the accessories brands were particularly positive. The general consensus was that although customers were understandably cautious given the current economic climate they were still there to shop and in the right place to pick up some unique one-off pieces.

The perfect end to a relaxing day of shopping (yes, relaxing and shopping....two words you never thought you would read) was the catwalk show I managed to catch. With the show's title being ‘Anyone can be an Icon', I knew I was going to see some looks with serious ‘tude and I was not far wrong. To a soundtrack of Fela Kuti, Franz Ferdinand, Madonna and Empire of the Sun buyers saw everything from African Queens to Domestic Goddesses to American Idols to Ethereal Nudes. Indeed we saw sexy and erotic, an ironic twist on vintage, full force 80's and angelic nudes and it was just enough of each section to leave me wanting more.

Finally, always on the look out for new talent, I spotted New Zealand model Nicole Clulee who had had a long gruelling day of shows and a 6am morning call, but despite her fatigue she was happy to have been involved in the Fashion Weekend because it meant great runway experience and exposure.

Nicole Clulee - all models were supplied by Models One

She also noted that there had been a good turnout and that the whole event was well organised.

Catching up with Nicole after the shows....

Overall the London Fashion Weekend was really enjoyable, the perfect tone of the day was set by friendly staff, a well organised schedule and a nice diverse range of brands. The VIP lounge, exciting runway shows and fashion clinics were simply added bonuses.

For shoppers looking for a relaxed atmosphere in which to browse through innovative, unique, wearable and designer pieces, it was the perfect go to spot, and I do not think anyone left disappointed.

Roll on September......