LFW SS17

The Topshop Unique, Paul Smith and Roksanda shows provided a unique, contrasting range of styles, textures and colours at London Fashion Week. From daring prints, abstract designs and sequinned styles to flirty florals, delicate silks and a natural, muted colour palette, this particular selection of collections promised inspiration and exclusivity, and most certainly delivered.

Topshop Unique 

An iconic and fitting location, the Topshop Unique catwalk took place at Spitalfields market in East London, with much of the market’s inspiration flowing in to the show itself. Topshop Unique showcased one of its very best skills: mixing eras and styles to create a truly intriguing, historic show. The market-catwalk was the runway for a beautiful collection, illustrating the classic ‘50s enhanced silhouette – think cigarette trousers tapered at the waist, thigh-high splits and high-waisted textures. Merged with this era was the archaic feel of the ‘80s; Kate Phelan says: “There’s something about that ‘smooth operator’ woman that we wanted to bring to life, and the models in the show reflect that.” Fuchsia cocoon jackets, edgy lingerie and zebra prints made entrance to the runway and it was clear that Topshop Unique aimed to please with their vibrant ‘80s-supermodel-inspired display.

Paul Smith

For SS17 Paul Smith is ‘in the garden’. The result was crisp, floral yet abstract designs displayed wonderfully over elegant dresses and skirts. Experimenting with floral pieces and feminine styles, the In The Garden Collection interpreted different prints to create a truly inspiring collection. In contrast, the easy breezy collection was defined by its loose garments and floaty, bright skirts intertwined with draped tops and ultra flirty, feminine designs. This colour palette was picked straight from an enchanting forest, with grassy greens, pretty pinks, bright oranges and sunny yellows; resulting in an organic and fresh collection. The collection portrayed formal workwear as light, fashionable two pieces in the form of flowy jackets and cropped tailored shorts. Inspired by the spring vibe present throughout the show, the summer uniform was perfected with light, airy materials and pale hues.

Roksanda 

“It wasn’t a bright palette,” Roksanda Ilinic claimed of her show. The brand is usually known for its bold, vibrant colours and so the most recent collection was a contrasting one; showcasing an earthy, muted colour palette of sunflower yellows, deep purples and shades of rich chocolate and powder milk. Imagine a pebbly beach in late summer and you would be on the right lines. Pretty sundresses layered in luxurious fabrics, dresses with bell sleeves and striped cuffs and an array of polkadots stormed catwalk for this collection. In contrast, some more rebellious designs were introduced; from a gold metallic bomber jacket and feathered garments to more sportier styles, including striped tracksuit trims and silk dresses finished with exposed zips.