London Fashion Week concluded recently, with most shows taking place online or presenting new collections in the lookbook format. Despite the quarantine constraints, designers showcased their creativity not only through their collections but also through innovative presentation ideas.
Here are some of the standout shows from London Fashion Week, where creative directors weren't afraid to experiment with styles, colors, and show formats:
Burberry SS'21: Burberry opened London Fashion Week with a show dedicated to renewal, nature, and British summer. Creative director Riccardo Tisci collaborated with German artist Ann Imhof, known for her revolutionary performances and installations. The digital performance show was live-streamed on Instagram, Twitch, and Burberry's website. The collection seamlessly blended classic and street style, with a focus on the color blue.
Gareth Pugh: Gareth Pugh returned to London Fashion Week with a collection celebrating the interplay between fashion, music, and film. It was presented as a "visual concept album" featuring 13 images inspired by 13 iconic songs, captured in stills and short fashion films by renowned photographer Nick Knight. The collection won't be for sale, but a capsule collection of jersey prints by Pugh will benefit Refuge, the UK's leading domestic violence charity.
Victoria Beckham: Victoria Beckham initially planned salon-style catwalk shows with a limited audience but switched to a more intimate presentation for editors. The SS'21 collection was concise yet elegant, featuring monochromatic looks and vibrant colors, including a selection of jeans models.
Bora Aksu: Bora Aksu's spring-summer collection transported us to 1918, drawing inspiration from World War I, the flu pandemic, and the nurses who played a crucial role during that time. The collection explored how women's roles and styles evolved during this period, reflecting the changing societal dynamics.
Simone Rocha: Simone Rocha's SS'21 collection celebrated "comfort and security in the highest degree." It featured voluminous hips, feminine curves, and signature draping, along with beaded accents and ergonomic shoes.
Molly Goddard: In contrast to minimalistic trends, Molly Goddard presented an extravagant, colorful collection of voluminous dresses, many made from her signature tulle. The collection embraced vibrant colors after the designer's realization of the need for brightness following a period of darkness.
Vivienne Westwood: Vivienne Westwood encouraged consumers to buy less, dress up, and change clothes in her SS'21 show notes. The collection drew inspiration from traditional English tailoring with added detail and drama, emphasizing unisex pieces. Westwood announced the label would no longer release seasonal collections, allowing customers to set their own fashion rules.
Erdem: Erdem Moralioglu found inspiration for his SS'21 collection in Susan Sontag's "The Volcano Lover." The collection reflected a sense of uncertainty and featured dramatic collar details and casual elements from the 60s and 70s, inspired by the novel.
London Fashion Week proved that creativity knows no bounds, even in the face of challenges, and designers delivered strong statements through their collections and presentations.
