London Fashion Week

by Wendy Lerman

I was lucky enough to head over to London for their Fashion Week. I know we’ve been covering so many runway shows lately, so I’ll keep my show coverage brief for now. Most of the catwalk shows were at Somerset House, which is a beautiful neo-classical building situated on the Strand. It was the perfect backdrop.

Jen Creason and Wendy Lerman showing off their invitations at The Soho Hotel.

Hanging out in the courtyard in between shows was really the place to see fashion at it’s best…and worst. While I did not agree with all the fashion choices, I do commend this London crowd for taking risks and attempting new and interesting styles – which is a refreshing change from the black uniform you often see on the hoards of people at New York Fashion Week (Yes, I’m guilty!).

The scene at Somerset House in between shows.

Some of the most interesting fashion choices were seen off the runway.

And best dressed goes to ...

Hanging out before the shows, get your hair done at Toni & Guy or your makeup done at Mac.

Only in London.

I always have fun at runway shows, but I particularly enjoyed the Ashley Isham show at On|Off titled, East of Eden. The concept of good versus Evil, Ashley Isham’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection navigates itself from the foreboding forces of darkness towards the splendor of light. It’s not often you see a show where you could literally imagine yourself wearing just about every dress in the collection. I did.

Malaysian designer Bernard Chandran redefines romance for Spring/Summer 2011 and reveals softly structured silhouettes in linear prints inspired by natural plant roots and plant fibre motifs. SS11 is a combination of lightness and fluidity that diverts from the traditional romantic paradigm of soft shades of pinks and feminine frills. (Photos: Christopher Dadey).

Other lesser-known designers, at least to me, did not have a catwalk show, but still participated at Somerset House. Similar to Coterie here, I got to see booths and booths of Spring/Summer 2011 collections by doing a walk through. Here were some of my favorites:

Probably won’t see this one on the red carpet.

Yang Du’s collection “He is Superman” delves into the designer’s past taking inspiration from the toys and games of her childhood.

These shoes aren’t made for walking, but sure look good.

Hats galore.

A seriously cool headpiece and bracelet by Ericson Beamon.

Delicate jewelry laid out on china caught my eye.

Jane Carr scarves.

Jane Carr Scarves available in New York at Henri Bendels.

She Died of Beauty T-Shirts.

Pick Your Cotton Carefully T-shirts.

Despite the packed schedule, I still made sure there was plenty of time to shop. No trip to London would be complete without a visit to some famous department stores such as Liberty of London, Harrods, House of Fraser, and Selfridges. My favorite being Selfridges, where it was all about shoes. The entire store was decorated with shoes made of candy by famous designers. Taking that feeling of being “a kid in a Candy Shop” to a whole new level.