London Fashion Week Favourites: A to E

Ashish

London Fashion Week came and went several weeks ago, so I'm displaying my lack of 'proper' fashionista credentials by writing about it only now. But, truth be told, I find the hysteria of that week a little hard to handle, and usually prefer to let things rest for a while before digesting what has been shown. It is a rather lovely thing to lie on the sofa on a Sunday afternoon, drinking many cups of tea and clicking through so many beautiful designs. We are so lucky to live in an age when these things are all available to look at for free and almost immediately - can you imagine what it must have been like in the old days when you had to order catalogues from Paris.

I had many favourites, so this will be split into several posts. In fact I found something to like in almost every collection; once you set aside your preconceptions of whether it is something you would wear, you can enjoy things simply for the quality of design.

In terms of trend-spotting, if you want to stay ahead of the curve for next summer look out for 60s style printed capris or cigarette pants, playsuits (still big), floral short and jacket sets, 70s style flowing maxi dresses with balloon sleeves, and full dresses or skirts in coloured cotton - think Brigitte Bardot on the French Riviera.

Amanda Wakeley

 These 70s style chiffon gowns from Amanda Wakeley were very beautiful.

Antonio Berardi

Antonion Berardi stepped away from his usual stark white and showed some stunning beaded gowns in cream and jet black.

Antonio Berardi

 

Ashish

Ashish was a surprise hit for me. I sometimes find their clothes a little bit haphazard and tasteless, but I adored the exuberance, fun and colour in this collection.

Ashish

Burberry

Burberry wasn't quite as consistent as usual, but they did have some fab printed coats.

Caroline Charles

 Caroline Charles showed some classic little suits and tea dresses, but what I loved most were the dapper straw hats on the models.

Caroline Charles

Christopher Kane

Some rich metallic brocades at Christopher Kane, reminiscent of 60s cocktail dresses.

Clements Ribeiro

Understated monochrome at Clements Ribeiro.

Corrie Nielson

Elegant shapes from Corrie Neilson, though I wouldn't say they are particularly summery.

Daks

Daks was one of the stand-out shows for me, they blew Burberry out of the water. This is the new heritage brand to watch.

Daks

David Koma

David Koma showed some incredible space age designs, that wouldn't have looked out of place in Barbarella.

Emilia Wickstead

Emilia Wickstead is a new name to me, and I loved her romantic but preppy designs. They look like something from a modern Great Gatsby.

Emilia Wickstead

Erdem

Erdem were once again Rulers of The Floral. So many pretty, Grace Kellyish frocks here, perfect for the pale spring sunlight.

Erdem