Simple black and white was the trend du jour at the opening of London Fashion Week this season.
Monochrome is already predicted to be a big hit in Spring /Summer and will continue its success towards the end of the year.
The first day of Fashion Week (which hosts 56 catwalk shows, 20 presentations and counting) saw Zoe Jordan open proceedings. Like many of her peers Jordan focussed on beautiful feminine silhouettes in a monochrome palette of whites, greys and blacks but gave her collection a tougher edge by introducing an element of androgyny.
Flashes of neon orange and pink popped against sleek tailoring which went down a treat with celeb fan Jamie Winstone on the Frow.
Classic architecture was a clear influence and shifts were printed with skyscrapers and images of the Duomo in Rome which added fun to the collection. A highlight was the closing look, a silver metallic trouser suit which looked very wearable. Thumbs up to Jordan who got Autumn/Winter 2013 off to a great start (her giant goody bag was also a crowd pleaser).
From base camp at Somerset House to the legendary Savoy Hotel - it’s true nowhere does elegance like The Savoy and guests at the Fyodor Golan show weren’t disappointed. Cue a truly beautiful and theatrical fashion moment as models glided through the Salon in Bionda Castana heels to a string orchestra.
Fyodor Podgorny and Golan Frydman were all about structure this season reworking classic cocktail dresses in monochrome, shades of luxurious red and blue florals. An electric blue patterned face mask showed the designers’ sense of humour and was a talking point after the show (brownie points for the model who remained standing despite her obstructed view).
The obscure continued at Kokontozai (KTZ) who brought shock factor to today’s line-up with their eccentric tarot inspired collection. Models stomped down the catwalk in leather, intricately embroidered jackets and headpieces by Rein Vollenga. Monochrome was seen again on the catwalk in black ram’s horn masks and shiny black gloves which complimented the unique tarot card designs of each outfit. Fashion Spy predicts KTZ’s eccentric designs will keep the fashion mafia talking for weeks.
Last to embrace monochrome in its most feminine form was Jean-Pierre Braganza whose sci-fi inspired fantasy prints transformed petrol blue and black silk fabrics. Braganza’s collection was sizeable and included a wool and leather waistcoat, an elegant black evening dress and an obi-belted kimono-esque jumpsuit.
There were many variations on the monochrome theme, so many infact that a lady in the second row was spotted falling asleep. It wasn’t the best time to doze off as Braganza’s stunning models floated down the runway embodying his vision of women as cosmic beings (sounds nice doesn’t it!).
Braganza championed girl power with each piece a powerful reflection of his belief that women are leaders. Thanks Jean-Pierre for the empowering message and a different interpretation of the evolving monochrome trend. Black and white is here to stay.
Read more London Fashion Week reports from Fashion Spy:
Success for Team Scotland at London Fashion Week
Saluting Edinburgh designer Holly Fulton
Follow my latest fashion week updates on Twitter @Frocktrade or visit www.facebook.com/frocktrade for street style snaps.
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