London Fashion Week - Day 5 and Emerging A/W 2006/07 Trends

There’s always a big fuss around the Central Saint Martins MA show – it’s all that ‘next big thing’ stuff it always gets the fash pack in a right tizz. Packed to the rafters the audience was like a who’s who of the fashion world – John Rocha, Jimmy Choo, TopShop’s Jane Shepherdson…the list goes on. Personal highlights included Molly Grad, whose puff ball hemlines, twists, folds and drapes are combined with a creative and yet subtle use of colour. As well as Lisa Pritchard’s textile designs that were all razzle dazzle in pleated layers of candy wrapper gold, purple and silver. The Harrods Award went to the closing grad – Christopher Kane, think lace, frills, 80’s Versace and body piercing and you’ll start to get the picture. The overall effect was quite tarty and certainly not for the shy but as a collection Kane displayed lots of ideas plus a move away from the current mood. Want to see the winning designs for yourself? Then check out Harrods windows from the 24^th February onwards.

Staying demure and sensible with a twist or two of course was Katarzyna Szczotarska. Hemlines hovered just above or below the knee and emphasis was placed on shape and proportion. Twisted bow bust details, Peter Pan collars and rolled hemlines provided some of the details on offer. Tones ranged from white, grey, teal, red and black while a sure hit was the bracelet sleeve wool coat that featured a three tiered collar. Much to our amusement (and the photographers) Katarzyna’s sensible chic was sexed up mid-show with a burlesque performer - Immodesty Blaze - who stripped off her blouse to reveal a pair of heart shaped nipple tassels. Ooh la la indeed.  

The vibe over at Tristan Webber had a futuristic slant - in a Pierre Cardin 60’s sci-fi kind of way. Fitted polo necks, cape sleeve tops and glossy jodhpurs looked particularly striking with their patent inserts and graphic prints. Bold black and white ruled along with a touch of hot red and grey. Keeping forms fitted for the most part fluidity arrived as a chiffon layer here and a batwing sleeve there. Webber’s prints were particularly inspiring and sensitively placed while his enveloping quilted opera coats looked incredibly cosy without loosing the chic factor.

Providing more in the way of strong graphic prints was Berlin based design team c.neeon. Securing New Generation sponsorship for a second season the creative duo displayed print infused streetwear with plenty of mass appeal. Scrawly doodles and blocks of colour could be found on jersey dresses, hoodies, baggy harem pants and leggings. Incorporating embroidery and appliqué into their print designs added surface detail while the entire collection was layered-up and worn with a serious dose of cool. Colours ranged from cream, orange, pea green, red, muted blue and black and were used in a complementary rather than clashing way.

London Fashion Week Emerging Trends for Autumn/Winter 2006/07

• Pleats

• Draping

• Short dresses worn over polo-necks or blouses

• Wide-leg trousers

• Belted Waists

• Exaggerated collars

• Black

• Accents of bold colour

• Simple repeated prints

• Leopard print

• Fitted jerseys

• Late 80’s early 90’s inspirations

• Berets and knitted hats

• Opaque tights

• Puff ball shapes

• Leggings

• Masculine tailoring

More key trends next month from Milan and Paris.

By JoJo Iles www.fashionpr.co.uk