Animal print, pinstripe, and camel tones are apparently here to stay, as Edward Crutchley’s collection told us so.

We are looking at another season of animal print, come Autumn/Winter this year.

Edward Crutchley is supposedly serving up business wear with a bite, which is undeniably true after what we witnessed on Saturday.

Velvet harem pants, satin robes, pinstripe co-ords, camel knitwear, satin animal print were among the array of variety within his pieces that he showcased.
Edward took us on a wild safari, while also managing to take us back in time to the 80s. Which is evident, as he is said to have channelled the magnificent Grace Jones from the 1985 film A View to a Kill.
Signature roomy silhouettes have been slimmed down in homage to the no-nonsense tailoring of the mid-1980s, Japanese and American ready to wear. The attitude he was was trying to convey came through effortlessly, uber cool, sartorial, power dressing.

  
Slate coloured grey fabric, with Wall street pinstripe, matched with Lurex fil coupe chiffon open collar shirt, and finished with fur slippers, and in some cases high gloss patent stilettos, and for the males high shine loafers, all supplied by Christian Louboutin.

Although oversized was a resounding element in this collection, one look that stood out was; the black satin robe which was worn on top of a provocative shortline black satin bustier, complete with velvet tribal print harem pants.
The colour palette used was muted but consistent, we saw greys, blacks, browns, greens and white paint the catwalk.

  

The accessories used were very avant-garde, with Stephen Jones designing the Balinese head wrap, a riff on a Korean gat, sunglasses provided by eyewear brand Wires, soft swakara pillow box hats, and a septum to ear chain piercing, to name a few. But each complimenting the ensemble they were assigned to.

The undeniably show stopping piece though, had to be the deconstructed snakeskin cashmere cape, with a fur finished motif of a large secretary bird attacking a snake adorned on both shoulders. White mink, grey swakara and silver metalised fox from Kopenhagen fur were carefully pieced together to complete this opulent piece.

This collection is sheer brilliance, a real sense of drama and bravado, with a tinge of humour.
Edward really shows a sense of himself in this collection, with the suited models feet donned with animal slippers as they sashayed down the catwalk for the finale.

It’s a New Year, and although it was a Saturday, Edward Crutchley took us back to business!

Written by Li Thane-Kitson (L. Matthews)

The long awaited Spring/Summer 2019 collection amazed everyone the way we knew it would. London based Genavant collaborated with iconic luxury shoe designer Jimmy Choo and showcased their debut collection at London Fashion Week.

The bejeweled shoes were inspired by Wong Kar-Wai’s 2000 film ‘In The Mood for Love’ and were displayed in a presentation with an atmosphere full of charm and desirability.

The Chinese antiques and refined décor added to the heavy glamour in the room and lavish aesthetic that was shown, and the models, all East Asian, wore a traditional dress poised with elegance. Ornamentation inspired by everything 1940s in Shanghai.

Every single heel was a statement, ranging in different hues of emerald green, sparkling navy, bright pink and striking orange. The heels had decorative elements such as precious pearls, diamonds, sapphires, rubies and the prettiest stones, all pieces of jewellery that embody nothing less than magic.

The designs were made to be perfect; some to wear as significant accessories and some to enhance a manner of grace. The undeniable craftsmanship displayed at this presentation was simply due to years of skill and experience. Shoes can transform a whole look but in this instance they transformed the whole room and created excitement that was an honor to witness. Choo remains a pillar in the industry and Reggie Hung continues to evoke a talent we are eager to watch grow.

Written By Beatrice Maina
Photographed by Paul Licorish

For their first Spring/summer presentation, Johnston of Elgin hosted their amazing line at the Waldorf Hilton hotel. The brand wanted to showcase a new dimension with an all year round collection for every season. Known for their cashmere architecture and expertise they included tissue weight cashmere, mesh construction, garments designed for warm climates and a new innovation in lightweight technology.

Creative Director Alan Scott’s aim was to showcase new cutting-edge textiles with outfits like suits, maxi-flare floor-length dresses and loungewear perfectly combined to create a beautiful collection.

Inspired by the island of Ischia, situated in the bay of Naples the presentation came together nicely to create a good atmosphere with soft piano music in the background. The brand alone exudes elegance and sophistication and that really came out with this collection.

Johnstons of Elgin has successfully established a flagship store in the heart of central London. Since 1797, the Johnstons of Elgin signature innovation and quality have been without compare. The family-run business has been constantly changing and evolving to new heights.

In his own words “It is an honour to return to London Fashion Week for the second season. This unique collection, lovingly made in Scotland, retains our signatures of textile expertise, craft, and tailoring for which we have become world-renowned, whilst showing the fashion world - for the very first time - that the brand is for all seasons.”

By Maria Santee