Aisling Cullen from Sherbet Stars blogazine reviews the trends hitting the runway at London Fashion Week for next Autumn/Winter.

Although I was lucky enough to see what was happening on and off the runway at New York Fashion Week, unfortunately my credentials didn’t extend to the London shows. I’ve been keeping a close eye on what has been happening on the runway from home and here is my breakdown of what to wear next season.

The must haves for next season…

The Big Coat

Coats next season are going to be huge – literally. At Burberry there was a collection of to-die-for aviator and military jackets but who could miss that HUGE brown furry coat that completely enveloped the model? It was a monster! Jaeger London sent out a big cocoon-shaped coat for its first look which echoed Donna Karen’s shapes in New York two weeks ago. At PPQ, giant oversized collars added volume to a belted evening coat.

Skirts with Volume

I saw a lot of mini kilt skirts at London Fashion Week which echoed what was happening at New York Fashion Week. Christoper Kane and Pringle both embraced this look and you can read more about the mini kilt by clicking here. Another look that was prevalent at LFW was a voluminous skirt on dresses as seen at Paul Smith and Mulberry. I love this trend, so flattering and girlie! Next season wear volume with an edge – it’s not a pretty prom dress style. Take note from the runway and try volume with texturised fabrics in a sombre shade like black or grey.

Capes

Capes were huge at LFW. Matthew Williamson, Christopher Kane and Issa all rocked this look to name but a few. For more on capes which were also featured at NYFW, click here.

Patchwork Prints

Print was layered on top of print in a geometric fashion at Basso and Brooke. There was nothing homely and cosy about the patchwork look that designers Bruno and Christopher produced – it was modern, complex and born from the exotic lands of the Far East. Peter Pilotto also gave a modern take on patchwork. Monochromatic garments were lifted by flashed of orange panels. The look was bold and sophisticated.

Abstract Graphics

Jonathan Saunders is a master at graphic prints but this year he decided to forgo vibrant colours in return for a softer palate. Personally I love his signature style and hope that he brings back vivid hues for next season. Erdem is known for its florals and I love the way that their fabrics are never too pretty and always left of centre. And at the House of Holland, designer Henry went back to the 90’s to create a fun and sporty collection with large graphic paisley prints.

Lace

Lace was toughened up with leather at Christopher Kane’s show where there was a strong focus on floral embroidery throughout the collection. At Erdem, lace evening wear dresses were ruffed at the neckline and lace cocktail dresses were more structured. At Burberry, lace featured widely throughout the whole collection. With all these collections, lace was never used in too pretty a way – it was kept edgy while maintaining a feeling of romance.

It’s heating up in Italy this week so check back next week for a review on Wow.ie of the shows at Milan Fashion Week. And for that extra fashion fix, Sherbet Stars will try to satisfy your style cravings too!

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