It was a dream come true – only LONDON FASHION WEEK!
As I weaved through the morning traffic, revved at the traffic lights, swerved into the Royal Mail collection point car park, slammed the car door shut and handed over my ID, how could I have imagined that the contents of the A5 envelope I signed for was to offer an experience I’ll never forget.
London Fashion Week
It was like being in a weird Alice in Wonderland type dream – stepping through the archways of Somerset House into this strange new world of fashion bloggers, editors, photographers, men carrying ladders and equipment and people walking around with clip boards and an air of self importance. More neon colours, eclectic prints, rockabilly platforms, Prada shades and big hair than you could throw a stick at. This was Vogue, ID and Grazia magazines in motion. Real life (very) skinny people – real life street catwalk.
Soon on arrival I sent my husband a text reporting that the fashionistas seemed a bit hostile – but after a glass of champagne, running footage of live catwalk shows on the screen and an encounter with (ahem) Columba – our on-hand stylist to answer our style dilemmas (I naturally took advantage) – it all felt quite normal and acceptable.
The people, the clothes, the pouts and the poses were all so familiar, but equally alien and slightly mystical. And I suppose that is the appeal of the fashion industry, which is more alive and kicking (in block heels) than ever before.
What did I love? No. 1 spending time and catching up with my lovely, gorgeous and stylish friend Emma. Secondly, I loved the Marios Schwab show – I’ll admit I’d not heard of him before but the show was beautiful, the music tribal and atmospheric and… Anna Dello Russo was there! Lastly, people watching. So these very cool people are thinking – I’m wearing some top-end designer label, weird criss-cross sunglasses and mental shoes, so I’ll just perch here with the nice Somerset House backdrop, light up a ciggie, look a bit grumpy, in view of all passers by, on my own and wait to be photographed. And they were of course.
What did I learn? Don’t take fashion too seriously, it’s meant to be fun and creative and experimental – style is the serious business (you knew that Style Icons). AND… don’t look in the mirror and ask yourself “does it look too much? No really, do I look like I’ve tried to hard?”. Believe me, the answer is NO – see below evidence.
See highlights of London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013 here.
Betula Stone 
Looks like you had an amazing time – I think I’d struggle deciding what to wear if I went to LFW : )
It was amazing. Outfit was a tough decision – I wore black, boring I know but everything else I tried on looked like I was trying too hard. If I’m ever lucky enough to go again though, I might be more brave. Thanks for reading!