Trends From London Fashion Week A/W Ready to Wear

The Autumn/Winter 2011 Ready-To-Wear collections in London brought Anna Wintour, Kate Bosworth, Olivia Palermo across to London to join the usual fashionistas in the front rows as our brightest stars and up-and-coming designers show their Autumn Winter collections. And they didn’t disappoint. In contrast to Paris’s Haute Couture fantasy gowns at the beginning of February, London’s Ready-To-Wear  produced fabulously wearable clothes that despite being modelled by, for the most part,  pin-thin 16-year-olds, would suit normal (grown-up) women as well.

Neutrals and autumnal colours were very strong with burnt oranges and russets flowing through to bright red. Blue of every shade and hue will also be strong next autumn as will patterns as seen at Vivienne Westwood, Mary Katrantzou and Issa. The look overall was sophisticated and powerful yet ultimately feminine.

Shoe boots as seen at Mary Katrantzou will be sticking around for another season and strappy heels as seen at Emilio de la Morena will see you from summer through to autumn.

As for hair, the ponytail featured strongly from messy and high to neat, centre parted and pulled in at the nape of the neck. Make-up was fresh and natural with the exception of classic red lips.

Here are our top picks of LFW AW2011 Ready-To-Wear:

Temperley

Returning to London Fashion Week to celebrate 10 years of her label, Alice Temperley describes the woman who wheres her clothes as “a sexy, strong, well travelled and confident woman. She knows her own identity but yet is comfortable enough to experiment with different styles and shapes.”

What to take from it: 40s glam; feminine satin; champagne gold and black; applique flowers; beading and ruffles

Issa

Although Daniella Issa Helayel is originally from Brazil, her feminine, curve enhancing designs have made her a favourite with the fashion set. Her most famous client is now princess-in-waiting Kate Middleton who chose an Issa dress to wear at the announcement of her engagement to Prince William. But Daniella had another royal inspiration for this collection.“The Duchess of Windsor. Regardless of whether people love her or loathe her, there’s no doubt that she was always chic and an inspiration,” she said.

What to take from it: shades of blue; autumnal patterns; 70s maxis; cinched waists

Emilio de la Morena

Spanish designer Emilio de la Morena describes the type of woman who would wear his clothes as “strong and modern. She knows her own mind and is not afraid to stand out; nor is she scared of expressing herself in a vibrant and bold way,” he says. His clothes are womanly, simple and sexy with polished elegant lines.

What to take from it: pencil skirts that skim the knee; clashing neutral with hot red; sheers; strappy sandals

Vivienne Westwood Red Label

Dame Vivienne Westwood was officially recognised for her contribution to fashion in 2006 however fashionistas have long admired her quirky, corseted nod to punk for years. Although she first burst onto the fashion scene in 1971, she has lost none of her flair for cutting edge style. “When people discover my clothes, they seem to have an edge. Fashion is alive when it is being worn and talked about,” she says.

What to take from it: Asymmetrical necklines; rich colours; pinstripe, checks and tartan

Mary Katrantzou

Greek born Mary has really rocked the fashion world with her lampshade style skirts, mix of patterns and use of colour which has been compared to lavishly decorated Faberge eggs. Her ‘hyperrealist aesthetic and bold graphics’ have become her trademark. Describing the type of woman who would wear her designs she says: “she has a liberated spirit and a strong sense of style.”

What to take from it: feminine silhouettes; mixing patterns with rich colours; knee length skirts; defined waist; shoe boots

Mark Fast

Canadian born Fast is another graduate of Central St Martins and his knitwear has quickly made an impression in the short time that he has been appearing at London Fashion Week. While many see him as a one trick pony, he still manages to meld cosy knits with a sexy silhouette and his three dimensional frills and layers add texture and proportion to this seasons designs.

What to take from it: form fitting dresses; short hemlines; black, red and putty; crochet