London Fashion Week Favourites: SS18

Fashion month is over now, making this post pretty delayed, but I started a new job in the midst of London Fashion Week and have been settling into my new routine for the past few weeks. When I finally caught up with the London collections, I was very impressed with what the designers had to offer for Spring/Summer 2018, mixing the city's undeniable creativity with the wearability that is often associated with New York.

J . W . A N D E R S O N

J.W.Anderson is always one to watch at LFW and over recent seasons the designer has only got better and better. His SS18 ready-to-wear offering was all about soft corsets which would be perfect for layering over shirts and t-shirts, relaxed silhouettes and criss-cross detailing across the waist reminiscent of Alexander Wang's SS17 collection. My favourite looks had to be the raspberry and bubblegum pink combinations, alongside the more versatile leather options. I'm also a huge fan of his bags, which were offered in larger sizes this season and carried effortlessly under the arm by models on the runway. 

H A L P E R N

Halpern is a brand that caught my eye during the AW17 fashion week with its debut collection and proved this season not to be a one-hit-wonder. The designer is definitely establishing a USP in the crowded womenswear market for extravagant, highly glamorous eveningwear which seems to be returning rapidly in response to years of subtle minimalist designs. For SS18 the 70s and 80s influences were clear, with a multitude of flared trousers, jewel tone colours and lurex sent down the catwalk. Essentially, Halpern is the brand to know if your wardrobe is in need of some sequins.

 R A L P H  &  R U S S O

An exciting addition to the LFW schedule this season was Ralph & Russo, a couture brand making their first foray into ready-to-wear. Unsurprisingly, I shortly began obsessing over their SS18 RTW collection which retained the essence and intricacy of their couture collections while appearing more contemporary. Following a cool-toned colour palette of metallics and powder blues, the looks were feminine but bold. The sheer powder blue trench coat and metallic flared trousers were the standout pieces for me. 

T O P S H O P  U N I Q U E

Topshop Unique is undoubtedly one of the LFW shows I most look forward to seeing each season. Though I've grown bored of Topshop's main offering recently, they continue to pull out the stops with Unique. Throughout the SS18 collection references to 90s fashion remain strong and textures are key, including shearling and feathers. In true Topshop style there is something for everyone, from satin track pants to leather mini skirts, but, as with J.W.Anderson, it's the pink looks that had me swooning.

P E T E R  P I L O T T O

Many of the collections this season have included jackets and layering, making them feel more appropriate for Autumn/Winter season. Peter Pilotto, however, epitomised Spring/Summer dressing with a pastel-toned colour palette and multitudes of lightweight silks and cotton, exuding a feeling of optimism. Lace, mix'n'match floral prints and feminine handkerchief hems dominated the collection, while asymmetrical cuts and the unexpected addition of 80s sportswear-inspired bomber jackers and trousers add edge. I also have to give a special mention to the white and lilac leather sock boots which perfectly complimented the looks. 

My favourite collections from this season are an eclectic mix but I think that's another thing which is so great about LFW, every designer is truly unique and you never quite know what to expect. In terms of trends, sheer fabrics, florals and lilac were among those that continued to prove prominent this season, while ultra-glam eveningwear also seems to be making a firm comeback in London.

In case you missed it:
New York Fashion Week Favourites: SS18