LFW: Show & Party Diary of a Fashion Journalist
27-09-2007
MONDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 2007
{mosimage}This season I found myself enjoying the On|Off delights put on by the well-known Doll who were proudly introducing fashion’s next big names into the fashion arena.
I started fashion week off by sipping champagne at the On|Off reception, held to kick-off the up coming shows. It was there that I was given the opportunity to be introduced to an array of fashion names, lovers and characters. The exhibition held at The Royal Academy of Arts, gave labels like Jerry Ribbon, Sado and On|Off winner Richard Sorger, the chance to showcase their beloved collections to various buyers and journalists in attendance.
An impressive exhibition, it was nice to get to know designers who where not only passionate about their craft but who were also so talented that they could explain why every stitch and detail was the way it was. As I completed my rounds, making sure I visited and shared a few words with every exhibiting designer, I decided that the night was still young and that I needed to see what else was on offer that night so I headed to the Vogue Italia party.
Also held in The Royal Academy of Arts, the Vogue Italia party boasted attendance from Fashion’s powers that be. As soon as you walked into the party it felt like it was the kind of event that demanded chatter in hush tones, a constant admiration of ones surroundings and business card swapping. It felt ever so grown-up, and slightly sedated. Saying that it was truly amazing seeing the array of past supermodels such as Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell bought to life on billboard sized photographs that adorned every bit of wall space available. The selected photographs were certainly the crème de la crème of Italian Vogue covers and features from then to now.
It was among the models and Vogue Italia worshipers that I discovered Jasmine Guinness who wore a gorgeous cobalt blue dress that she had designed for Olie, Sophie Ellis Bextor who looked fantastic in a chiffon outfit complimented by her natural beauty, model and socialite Layla Farah dressed all in the popular colour of the evening black, the TV popstar Will Young dressed in the ever popular male cardigan complimented with a mischievous glint in his eye, thespian Richard Sterling and Piers Morgan whose female companion wore a stunning pink ensemble that stood out in the sea of black outfits on offer.
Tearing myself away from the breath taking Italian Vogue photographs I headed to Mahiki for the Independent bash. Celebrating all things model based, the party was already in full swing. Deciding to take a quick tour of the royal hangout, I found myself bumping into the likes of Jamelia and T4’s Steve Jones. I decided then and there that it definitely was ‘the’ party of the evening.
Fashion wise the girls at the Independent party adorned an array of labels and not one was seen wearing the ever popular pair of skinny jeans. It seemed that fashion week had inspired many females to leave their jeans at home and dress up in their favourite Versace, Dior, Matthew Williamson and Marios Schwab outfits.
Open bars, celeb spotting and fashion gossip I knew then and there that London Fashion Week had truly begun.
TUESDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER
With invite in hand I found myself back at The Royal Academy of Arts ready to witness the talents of Carlotta Gherzi and Evan Del Franco.
The fashion label SADO’ which means, “keep working and protecting what you are working forâ€, was quickly becoming known as the label that can successfully design contrasting collections that can cater for both vibrant trendy younger buyers and classic elegant older ones.
{mosimage}It was with this knowledge that I found myself looking forward to what the label had to show this season. With pen and pad in hand the music began.
The look was all about clean detailing and big puffed shoulders reminiscent of the 80’s power woman. The collection boasted an array of colours that were layered and married with different materials. A few pieces offered an illusion of being one look but then being transformed mid catwalk into quite another.
It was 50 pieces later that I was able to stop scribbling my notes. My breath was taken away. The Sado’ label had definitely come a long way and was definitely a step away from being ready to play in the big leagues.
After the show I headed to the hectic backstage to congratulate the duo. Finding it manic and full of excitement I found the designers in their element, and being interviewed. Deciding to catch up with them later I headed to the Burlington Club were the after party was taking place thinking Sado’s distinguished style and intriguing confidence, promised something fashionably different and delivered it with panache.
Wednesday 19th September 2007
With many fashion goings on through out the capital I found myself turning down the Topshop party and deciding to head to the Project Catwalk party at Cristal.
Bypassing the never ending queue, I entered the venue. Slowly filling up, the fashion event was more smoke than fire. It was lacking the promised fashion talent that I was hoping to witness.
Feeling uninspired I left and headed to Mahiki for Nevs Modelling Agency party, knowing I would most likely witness more oomph there then what was offer at Cristal.
THURSDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER
My final day of doing the rounds on the fashion circuit had come. This was the evening that was to revolve around the Stella McCartney party and the Ed Hardy Fashion show.
The Ed Hardy party, taking place at Cristal, was one of interest and intrigue. With Jeremy Jackson (of Baywatch fame) presenting the show, the look suspiciously resembled Ed Hardy’s past collection, meaning that it evolved around the usual edgy rock notice-me look. Using models who definitely would not bring about the size 0 debate, the blingy collection consisted of jeans, tops and caps. It proved that it was definitely more LA than London style.
It was after 15 minutes of loud music and the overwhelming feeling of de ja vu that the show came to an end, and the after party could begin. I personally preferred the after-party to the show. It seems that Ed Hardy failed to deliver with usual stance, which is a shame because I know that when he is good he truly is amazing.
LAST WORDS
Having witnessed new up coming designers such as Hannah Marshall the toast of British Vogue, to the established Stella McCartney who I think should be part of every fashionista’s wardrobe and from across the pond designer Ed Hardy who bought with him a style of another kind, I must say it was the new talent that I found more inspirational. Unknown names such as Ja.su.ma, Hemyca, and Kaliki Amour were what I think London Fashion Week is all about. Supporting the future Alexander McQueen’s of British talent.
Many thanks to: Alison at the Doll; Ellis and Nicola Easton at Independent, Giaia Rener at Gabrielle Shaw Communications
By Muchaneta Kapfunde
Freelance Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Journalist
Website: http://muchaneta.co.uk/default.aspx
