London Fashion

By Mandi Pimental

London Fashion Week presented us with a diverse, and absolutely lovely, mix of trends for Spring 2014 both on and off the runway.  The street style was an eclectic blend of the trends we saw throughout the designers’ displays on the runway and it stood to prove that the London fashionistas were truly tuned in to what is going to be popular come winter thaw.

The first of five, of the most popular trends of the season, were separates that shine.  Crystal-adorned dresses and bodysuits, a plethora of metallic materials and mirrored embellishments will be available to dress up many wardrobes.  Tom Ford was a fan of using sequins, Topshop used broken-mirror inspired additions on sundresses and Christopher Kane opted for shimmering fabrics for his collection. Tadashi Shoji presented a dress comprised of pure white sequins, accented with feathers and Marissa Webb showed us a favorite in a champagne metallic high waist skirt.  The designers this season backed up our belief that a little sparkle is always a good idea.

Feminine florals are always a classic spring trend and have made their return for 2014.  Opting for a palette of lighter, pastel hues, fashion house Burberry Prorsum displayed beautiful florals on belts, trenches and delicate tops.  Mulberry opted for a more retro palette with oversized florals in bright orange and navy.  BCBG and Rebecca Taylor used a rainbow palette for their floral pieces.  When paired with dainty flats and simplistic jewelry, you can incorporate floral pieces into your wardrobe through skirts, sundresses, capris or tops.

One way to wear a feminine floral skirt is to pair it with a boyfriend-styled, button up.  Bringing us to our third spring trend, boy meets girl fashion.  Mixing in masculine touches with feminine pieces, designers showed ability to fuse the two sides together seamlessly.  Tailored, nipped-waist skirts pair well with boxy-shouldered tops, while delicate camisoles couple with slouchy boyfriend pants.  The key is making sure to keep it balanced.  Designer Matthew Williamson paired basic tees with flirty skirts, while Henry Holland put models in trucker hats and lace skirts to lend an edge. Alexander Wang had models strutting down the runway in what could have been mistaken for their boyfriend’s pajamas, though we rather loved it, because what isn’t sexier and more comfortable than your guy’s pjs?

The last trend to get you through from spring to fall is pure edge.  Dark and avant-garde pieces, sharp edges, deep folds and deeper shades such as blacks and browns have made a place for themselves in spring fashion this season.  Leather jackets can be worn with lighter undergarments to incorporate heavier fabrics without being overly layered.  David Koma, with his line inspired by Japanese samurais, incorporated warrior-esque pieces to represent tough femininity.  Tom Ford’s collection also represented a stronger woman with body conscious lace and leather pieces, and though the house of Erdem incorporated florals, they did so in a darker palette of blacks and deep blues.  J Mendel created a daring black netted dress with strategically placed cuts, proving that lace and mesh make the perfect dress fabric choices for evening.

Do not be afraid to mix and match the trends.  Pair floral leggings with an oversized rock tee for a bold combination, or try a metallic dress with a leather jacket for a vibe that hints at retro eighties, which designer Ryan Lo could appreciate this year with his 80’s inspired line-up.  With a palette of such a wide array of colors and fabrics, the possibilities are endless. And remember, spring is a time of renewal and creation.  Create a new look that is uniquely you, by gaining inspiration by the amazing fashion seen throughout London.