The fashion army from near and far flooded into the Somerset house on Friday eagerly anticipating the designers first looks on the catwalk. All you could hear was the constant clicks of cameras from world media with fashionistas instagramming fresh looks by the millisecond.
After coming into the chill of this month, it seemed bizarre to be quickly transported into Spring/ Summer 2014 by London Fashion Week. Two weeks ago I wrote how I was actually looking forward to my winter wardrobe. Today, I take it all back. I want to be in Koi Samui wearing a John Rocha creation, drinking a pineapple blend starring at a pair of Manola Blaniks S/S 2014 precious pieces on my feet before I reach for my phone in a beautiful crisp white Mulberry handbag. Of course this is just my imagination running wild (running in a pair of SS2014 heels of course!). So instead of being negative that we are a long way from Summer, I’m going to show you the beautiful creations and beauty looks that have come out of the past three days here in London.
Holly Fulton
Holly fulton beautifully displayed a combination of the 1970’s and Laura Ashley style floral inspirations. Her colours choices brought a modern twist to what you would expect from 70’s style with pinks, teals, violets and corals and fabulous sunglasses. The colours mixed with her intricate detail and pattern design was a match made in heaven. Styles were varied from casual daytime comfort to city chic.
Hair and makeup
In keeping with her collection, the hair had great volume with 70’s inspired curls. The hair was pinned to one side and styled into a double french twist at the back which was really interesting. False eye lashes were applied for a feathered look which complemented the violet shades placed just around the crease and top half of the eye lid.
House of Holland
What I liked about House of Holland was his choice in set design. Purple and pink pastel clouds seemedreally beautiful and accentuated the clothing all themore.He was heavily influenced by Latin and Mexican vibes which translated into his vibrant colour choices and unusual floral patterns. Youcan seehow his designs have evolved from his main market for a younger audience. For SS14 he has concentrated on more ladylike shapes but still with an youthful edge making it more appealing to a wider audience. Among the collection featured some wonderful curve friendly items to accentuate your waistline which I was also delighted to see.
Hair and makeup
Hair was a ‘slick to dry’ feel. They had each of the models hair slicked back completely off their faces which then fell into light girly waves.For makeup, all the models were using the new St.Tropez instant tan to create a tropical vibe for his Mexican look. The skin was kept very clean with attention brought to Latino features such as strong eyebrows, bold black eyeliner and bold lip in fushsia and red from Mac cosmetics.Nails were extremely creative with religious motifs.
Orla Kiely
The Orla Kiely presentation was by far the sweetest from the last three days. It was based on a girl scouts adventure on a safari. Girly elements were of course seen from head to toe with school girl socks and pretty berets. Colours were rather soft, with whites, pale pink hues, lemon, navy and tans. Her designs were mixed with hints of safari prints on beautiful silk dresses and organza pieces. Bags were cute with a variation of binocular shapes and side satchels with animal detail such as a rhino or a panda.
Hair and makeup
Hair was kept extremely smooth and shiny with a slight wave. Kiely teamed the look with very little makeup. It was a very au natural look which I think worked perfectly as there was so much to take in by the presentation itself.
Preen
Today, Preen from Justin Thornton and Thea Bragazzi was more than awesome. Drawing on inspirations from Miami, they have blended art deco with soft pastels to bold pinks. The designers have showed their love for archecturual shapes with their perfect cuts and interesting detailed touches. Its an extremely fresh and chic collection for 2014 and one of my key favourites from fashion week so far.
Hair and makeup
Hair inspiration was based on sexy south beach hair. All the products were by L’Oreal to achieve dewy humid waves. The main products were L’Oreal Tecni Art Pli followed by Mythic Oil to achieve a finished gloss to the hair.Makeup was all about the glow using Sunday Riley products with particular attention to Sunday Riley Adrenalin moisturiser followed by a tinted moisturiser for an optimum skin finish. St.Tropez’ new rainproof instant tan was applied on the body to achieve a golden glow.
David Koma
David Koma produced some amazing pieces with bold asymmetric cuts. He drew his inspiration from the Japanese material art of archery embracing the strong empowered woman. Not only did he do this through his choice of design but also with his colour palette of bold blues, black and whites.So ladies don’t be afraid to stock up on bold hues this winter as you will be still on trend come the Summer! The shoes for me were true perfection. They were everything I would want from a shoe. Strong detailing, cut aways and a platform. Swoon! I’ve started my Koma shoe piggy bank fund now so I should be able to afford at least one shoe by next Summer! 😉
Hair and makeup
Looks were extremely sleek, keeping in line with the “elegant warrior” appeal. Hair was entirely combed off the face into a neat low pony tail. All Maybelline products were used including their new Fit Me stick foundation. The key beauty item was a navy smokey eye liner pencil to achieve small flicks on the outer and upper lashline followed by Maybelline colour Tattoo in navy for a long lasting effect.
John Rocha
John Rocha brought a wonderful combination of romance, texture and drama to the catwalk. I loved how he embraced lace detail in a modern manner using a wetlook style lace. His silhouettes as always were a work of art with each pieces exerting pure elegance. His colour palette focused on crisp whites, black and delicate floral prints. Any piece for this collection would be an item you could still wear in ten years time. Timeless elegance.
Hair and makeup
The hair inspiration was reflective of Rocha’s love for texture. To embrace this they crimped the hair using Babyliss Pro 3, hair moose, and ‘Big Night Out Party The Night Away’ spray for finishing touches.
For foundation Mac makeup artist Sam Bryant used Mac face and body foundation (one of my favourites!). He then created a squared effect across the eye using a silver pigment powder finishing with a petal pink lip shade.
Markus Lupfer
After looking at this collection I literally couldnt get Katy Perrys Teenage Dream tune out of my head. I suppose because it is just that, a collection inspired by teenage influences but made wearable for us too! The acid wash floral prints with a line dresses, tailored trousers and fitted tops were a real stand out of the collection. Cute girly fit and flare skirts paired with lightweight jumpers that is a current trend is also a feature along with hints of attitude printed on some pieces like ‘lame’, ‘loser’ and ‘meow’.
Hair and Makeup
For hair, stylist Hayley Brisker for Bumble and Bumble wanted to create a natural soft and fluffy vibe. She applied Bumble & Bumble’s thickening hairspray and tied their hair into two buns during makeup. When they took it out it left a natural waved texture to the models hair. Makeup was kept quite angelic using Liz Earle products. Lou.xx Intro image copyright of Getty Images
