Provisional LFW SS13 Schedule

The British Fashion Council have just made the provision LFW schedule for Spring/Summer 2013 available. Taking place between September 14th through 18th the capital is sure to be buzzing. New designers to the schedule are Preen, Rag & Bone, and Philip Treacy who designed hats for the late Isabella Blow and featured heavily in Alexander McQueen's Spring 2008 RTW collection. Different this year is the absence of Menswear Day due to the new addition of London Collections: Men now taking place having had its first outing in June of this year.

Below you can find the schedule with the designers highlighted that I'm watching and are very excited to see. I won't be here to attend but I'll be sure to cover what I can.

Winners Winners Winners - Fashion Forward '12

LFW is creeping up on us and as the excitement builds we're given a little insight with the help of 'Fashion Forward 2012

The scheme headed by the British Fashion Council is great. It ensures the sustainability of fresh talent, which is great for us, the industry and the world really. By supporting and promoting emerging businesses both financially and logistically through the supply of industry knowledge, this initiative has boosted the careers of: Peter Pilotto, Christopher Kane, Marios Schwab and now House of Holland, Louise Gray, Mary Katrantzou and James Long. 

I went to a lecture headed by Louise Gray, which I might say was very insightful. She's an emerging designer, she was very bold, funny and completely honest about her fashion experiences. Bold is the defining characteristic of her work. Fearless through design she mixes a little embroidery in with some print and calls it a fashionable cocktail. Energy resonates through her work as colour and pattern fight yet coexist in a wearable manner.  I think that's what I admire about her the most - the fact that she's found this happy middle, a big inter-disciplinary cacophony of fashion and textiles that's become her aesthetic. Not just anyone can rock her clothes. You have to be willing to make a statement and take a lot of heavy stares but you'll be looking damn hot. 

When asked, "How would you describe the Louise Gray woman?"

She replied, "Ultimately, someone who is fun".

There is fun to be had in 2012 why not dress for the occassion.

Great to see her supporting friend Henry Holland. 

Check out the 'House Of Holland' fuzzy earrings. 

Holland's Fuzzies SS11

(Sources: LFW.com, youtube)

London Fashion Week FW 2012 Schedule

London Fashion Week is a month away. A cornucopia of presentations, runway shows and events that bring out students, buyers, editors and fashion enthusiasts that are sure to ignite the blog and many others like it. The shows/presentations I am excited for include Preen, b Store, the MA shows at Central Saint Martins, J.W. Anderson both his menswear and womenswear collections, Margaret Howell, Burberry Prorsum, ACNE, Ozwald Boateng and Mary Katrouzou on the 21st then basically all of menswear day.

I am still a bit irked by the fact that British menswear doesn't get a week like Milan and Paris but hopefully in the future it does because we Brits are definitely ones to see and watch for menswear designers.

Check the schedule after the jump

The Stitch Drops and Ladders

I love knitwear. It's practical, snuggly and slouchy. The name I often love to call is that of the creative charlie of the knit factory Mr Mark Fast. I absolutely love what he stands for - I'm referring to his stand against the size 0 model, by bringing Haley Morley back (size 12) to the runway exhibiting his A/W 2010 collection, to repeatedly have his name dragged by the media. 

His collections are vocal and imaginative. He shows he understands a woman's figure by sheerly clinging his clothes to it, after all, all women love to fit snuggly in a slinky number. Back to technique - using a domestic knitting machine, he breathes life back into knitwear. Making it exciting and practical with blends such as lycra and wool, viscose and silk and the use of open weaved fabrics. Innovation that seems reminiscent of that of the early 60's and 70's works of designers such as Missoni and Laura Biagiotti. 

Mark is artistic and playful. He always adds an atmosphere that pops to his shows, may it be the rainbow of  knits strolling down the runway or the sour, purse lipped looks on the front row as he unveils his latest shocker.

Craig Lawrence, a fellow former CSM student, was picked by Mark Fast as "One of the creative forces of London" by i-d magazine. Debuting at LFW 09 with Blow 'Presents' showcase. A winner of the Topshop NEWGEN sponsorship regime that year. 

His clothes are beautiful. Particularly his A/W 2010 collection. It never fails to captivate me. I love the combination of texture that results in a variation of high and low rise areas. The light delicately shimmers off the tiers of fringing, elongating the female figure ultimately complimenting her.  It's just so free and expressive which to me just shows his passion and skill. 

Ok people NEWGEN's one to watch list has been revealed. A duo that I will be watching is Alice Lee. They have been getting fashion recognition from around 2002, and are currently stocked by Browns and Harrods. I feel like innovation and adaptation is the running thread through these artists. I particularly love the family feeling in this brand, it's gonna be a sticker. Handcrafted, bespoke sexy what's not to love about this design house. They will be showing at LFW in association with Vauxhall Fashion Scouts 'Ones to Watch' show this September. 

It's exciting to see a monster unleash havoc on traditional knitting traditions and techniques. This is what the fashion world needs. To recognise it's audience, love them and embrace change by leading it. 


GIA