Hi everyone, as LadyM was unfortunately too ill to attend day three of LFW February 2011 and I was already attending for my own blog Mon Polkadot Cheri and the blogzine, British Style Bloggers, where I am Deputy Editor, I happily stepped in to report back on the Fashion Mavericks LFW Showcase.

Front Row at Fashion Mavericks

Fashion Mavericks takes place every season during London Fashion Week; one of the most busiest times of the fashion calendar. The event showcases the work of talented creative designers who offer fresh, new and independent designs and surely destined to take the world by storm.  The event was held at the Strand Palace Hotel on The Strand for a two days. As a Fashion Week virgin I was completely awestruck by the lavish surroundings. Inside Fashion Mavericks was very fashion orientated though. But more than anything the PR team looked after you no matter how big or small your publication was. As well as seeing all the beautiful exhibitions and doing a lot of networking, this meant that I was on front row for every show, which was very exciting!

Rachel Charlton on the Front Row at Fashion Mavericks

My favourite designers

Kiki Kamanu

Kiki Kamanu, at Fashion Mavericks

Ethnic feeling clothes with Oriental kimono styles, clashing with modern Western trends, were beautiful. All accented with bold prints in green and orange shades against the dark colours and fabrics of the main pieces. The models at Kiki Kamanu had a coloured spotted on one eye in bright tones which matched their lip colour.

Hamra Alam

Hamra Alam, at Fashion Mavericks

Although not all of the Hamra Alam collection was my thing (especially the red full length gown shown centre which reminded me of a sexy Halloween costume) I did especially love the use of flowing fabrics and the zebra print in various colours with a sheer background, as I thought this gave it an edge. I would’ve loved the models to have displayed the same energy as the designer herself who bounded out full of life wearing a scarf over her mouth. Star spotting at the show- a Premiership footballer and Aston from JLS.

Obscure Couture (jewellery by Bonnie Bling)

Obscure Couture, at Fashion Mavericks

My personal favourite of the event, the Glaswegian duo mix leather with lace, ruffles with urban and everything else which should usually contradict the other to create a beautifully mismatched streetwear collection with a theatrical edge. The accessories made by Bonnie Bling were edgy and fun, especially the pairs of Knuckle dusters saying things such as “hard core” but also beautifully classic though still made from Perspex.

Susana Bettencourt

Susana Bettencourt, at Fashion Mavericks

Nudes and blacks with chunky jewellery and knitted statement embellishments. Evening wear with bronze knitted rope around the hips, bodysuits left simple with jewellery adoring calves and big headpieces complemented by a tribal soundtrack. The show gave the event a very high fashion feel with editors from OK, Vogue and Glamour in attendance.

Fashion Mavericks was possibly my favourite part of Fashion Week, with it being smaller and a whole lot more intimate you felt valued, the designers had time for you and it was very fun. But more than anything the PR team looked after you no matter how big or small your publication was. I would love to attend next season.

Note from Editor: Thanks to Rachel for contributing to the LadyM Presents team’s coverage of London Fashion Week A/W 2011 and welcome to our guest blogging team.

Photography Credits: Gavin Thorn