London Fashion Week – Spring/Summer Catwalks

London Fashion Week started off in style at Somerset House BFC Show Space, with Paul Costello and his feminine tailoring and pretty detailed dresses with structured jackets. Awash with greys, silvers and mottled prints, feminine shapes were pouted and posed.

Lady M talks fashion with BBC Radio Kent

By lunchtime on Friday 17th September, fashion has come to Tunbridge Wells with LadyM herself being interviewed on BBC Radio Kent about London Fashion Week and all things fashion. Presenter Julia George opened up the discussion on how catwalk trends can be taken into the mainstream. LadyM explained that “The British consumer is great at taking trends from the shows but customising and adapting them to fit their own style, they have to fit your lifestyle and work with what you are trying to achieve”.

LadyM at London Fashion Week, trending this seasons colour 'tobac'

A La Mode Catwalk – LGN Events

Then it was on to the Charing Cross Hotel, in central London for the LGN Events A La Mode catwalk presentation.  Six designers from around the world were given the opportunity to showcase their work.

Amato Couture by Furne One – a statement collection

Filipino born Furne One is the formidable creative force behind Amato Couture. From his atelier in the Al Hana Centre in Dubai, Furne has been actively plotting (fashion) world domination with collections that combine an eloquence of style that harks to a bygone era of opulence and decadence. His amazing gowns are definitely not for shy and retiring type. They could very well be seen in a period drama or Italian opera. The gowns are an amalgamation of costume and old world charm; boudoir couture with a high diva quotient perfect for Oscar nights and occasions which call for full-on wow factor! The collection featured a palette of soft gold, nude tones and powerful embellishment. Simply stunning!

Amato Haute Couture

Furne became truly famous last year when Project Runway host and supermodel Heidi Klum came calling. Intrigued by his particular brand of surreal fashion, Heidi invited Furne to design gowns for all the 18 models for her show, “Germany’s Next Top Model”.

Amazing Couture by Amato

Berit New York

Berit New York’s S/S 11 collection “Retro Futurism” brought together old world charm with new generation. The designer behind the label, Britney Frady-Williams uses rich fabrics and historical patterns and methods to create intricate, fascinating designs for her label. Her work re-imagines everyday living and commonplace objects, envisioning the fantastic amidst the mundane. Noting how modern life seems deprived of the quality and wonder that has enriched humanity since its origin, Britney seeks to reawaken this old world charm for a new generation.

Berit New York

The collection felt playful but futuristic, featuring layering, neutral tones mixed with apple greens and patterns and tailored city shorts. The models graced the catwalk with 1950′s style secretary hair and eyewear and looked fabulous.

Mr Lipop

It was a pleasure to see some menswear on the runway and Tom Lipop showed the audience how it should be done. Tom’s label Lipop is a fabulous take on the modern British gentlemen.  
Upon completion of a challenging BA Hons degree in Fashion and Textiles (menswear), the Lipop London mastermind went onto successfully participate in Sky One’s ‘Project Catwalk. ‘ His participation in the show not only showed his resilience in such a demanding and tough environment but displayed his high-level of design competence and his ability and vigour to thrive in the competitive fashion industry. Partaking in “Project Catwalk” equipped Lipop with the skills to fulfil design and pattern cutting roles at Griffin Laundry, House of Holland, Halfpenny London and Nathan Jenden. 
It is Lipop’s infatuation with creating contemporary and forward thinking garments inspired heavily by the long historical lineage of British fashion which has been expressed through his own Avant Garde collections.

Lipop London

The collection felt very urban with an ‘earthy’ feel. Combining soft jersey and calm camel, greys and midnight blues in loose linen, leather and simplistic lines. A truly minimalistic menswear range with a sensuality to the fabrics used.

Z Mode

The much anticipated catwalk show for a LadyM Presents favourite, Z Mode was received with much admiration. Lithuanian born Victoria Rangayah has featured previously on this website and her S/S 11 collection “This is not Alice”, did not disappoint. 
Victoria’s designs are a concoction of interestingly opposite textures; “I like to make women feel feminine, elegant but at the same time empowered. Therefore I always try to keep the balance between strong lines and flowing silhouettes and ruffles”.

The amalgamation of a feminine vibe expressed through masculine shapes is the essence of Rangayah’s label. The catwalk also featured another veteran of LadyM Presents, Kandee Shoes, the footwear of choice for the Z Mode show, looking fabulous as usual.

Z Mode - a LadyM Presents favourite designer

The collection felt light and as fresh as Spring. It was a sweet combination of pale golds, cappuccinos, tobacs and lattes with a dash of colour in a subtle tropical print.

Z Mode Fashion - Lookbook S/S11

Photos courtesy of ZMode S/S look book

Jonathan Liang

Next up at the LGN Events Fashion Show was Jonathan Liang, a designer from Malaysia. Jonathan was recently awarded with the prestigious title of “Most Promising Designer” during Malaysian Fashion Week. He has been soaring to success in the fashion industry since he graduated with his ‘I Ate an Orchid’ collection, which also saw him win “Best Collection” for the Raffles International College Fashion Show.

Jonathan Liang

Liang’s Spring/Summer collection featured powerful shoulders, structured jackets and a beautiful use pale greys and gold. With strong tailoring, Liang also mixes it up a little with details such as deconstructed lines to the back of a jacket or a cropped cape style jacket with a strong lapel.

Jonathan Liang

With thanks to LGN Events for the invitation to the catwalk show and in providing designer profiling.