London Fashion Week AW20: Roundup

It seems that February’s London Fashion Week is synonymous with battling the elements – this year more than ever as storm Dennis swept through the capital.

Yet, determined not to miss out, we joined a plethora of fashion stylists, editors, bloggers and buyers, braving the weather to catch a glimpse of this season’s most anticipated shows and presentations.

Take a look at our favourite events below.

Burberry

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Burberry’s AW20 show delivered an impressive line-up of models – including Irina Shayk, Kendall Jenner, Bella and Gigi Hadid – to the stage.

Walking under a magnificent vaulted Victorian ironwork ceiling, these ladies showcased Riccardo Tisci’s most personal collection to date. Entitled Memories, it referenced the Italian’s London upbringing through the use of grungy plaids, corsetry and oversized knitwear.

Naturally, the brand’s iconic trench coats made an appearance, defined by exaggerated lapels, patchwork checks and even padded panels that created one puffer-trench hybrid.

Eclecticism was triumphant: a particular standout look combined a giant knit, sequin skirt and trainers.

Christopher Kane

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When it comes to glamour, Christopher Kane reigns supreme. As expected, his latest offering was brimming with daring cut-outs, sheer fabrics and jewelled embellishments.

Adding a layer of intrigue was the juxtaposition between this signature aesthetic and 70s-inspired geometric prints, which were presented in a palette of scarlet, chocolate and slate grey.

Edeline Lee 

Edeline Lee collaborated with award-winning director Josie Rourke to produce a theatrical presentation at the Apollo in London’s West End.

Models stepped on to the darkened stage in a series of choreographed vignettes, which played on the conventions of film noir, while narrators read empowering feminist literature by the likes of Simone de Beauvoir and Gloria Steinem.

Lee’s classic day dresses, reinvented in shades of cobalt blue and red, were paired with Italian wool coats and court shoes. Elsewhere, jacquard suits and red carpet-ready gowns added allure to this wearable collection.

Erdem

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For AW20, Erdem Moralioglu drew inspiration from Cecil Beaton’s dazzling 1920s and 30s portraits of socialites. With the National Portrait Gallery set to host Bright Young Things next month, this collaboration couldn’t have been more fitting.

Models sashayed down a silver foil-covered catwalk in an array of checkerboard prints, inspired by Beaton’s early backdrops, amongst echoes of frills and floral brocades. Delicate silk pyjama sets were layered under heavy coats, while pearl-encrusted dresses came beautifully paired with oversized mohair knits.

Many looks were topped with feather headdresses and hair was painted silver to match the foiled floor; this collection was a celebration of glamour across the eras.

Paul Costelloe

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Returning to the swanky Waldorf hotel, Paul Costelloe’s show was a visual feast.

Costelloe is a master tailor; his signature voluminous silhouettes dominated this collection. His son, William, created the brilliant prints that appeared on sporty high-tech bodysuits and leggings, as counterpoint to his father’s tailoring.

Elsewhere, an array of graphic florals, meticulous colour-blocking and abstract brush strokes adorned ultra-feminine dresses, oversized outerwear and wide-leg jumpsuits.

Victoria Beckham

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Set in Whitehall’s Banqueting Hall, beneath the only surviving in-situ Rubens ceiling in the world, Victoria Beckham’s AW20 collection was a sleek continuation from SS20.

The designer listened to the needs of her customers, opting for day-to-night dresses in midnight blue and black, chunky knitwear accentuated by culottes and long boots, and sharply tailored suits inspired by the 70s.

Elegant Art Deco-style earrings added sparkle to this wholly wearable collection.

Rixo

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This season, Rixo collaborated with Christian Lacroix to create a collection that seamlessly blended the Parisian brand’s archive couture prints with its signature silhouettes.

Held at the Kimpton Fitzroy London, guests were treated to grazing tables overflowing with mountains of fruit, cake and cocktails, a string orchestra and V&A-installed exhibition, showcasing the Christian Lacroix pieces that inspired this line-up.

The limited-edition capsule collection featured 19 ready-to-wear looks, including colourful co-ords, flouncy midi dresses and statement accessories, which stayed true to Rixo’s much-loved, playful USP.

Ashish

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Ashish Gupta never fails to lighten the mood with his spectacular rainbow hues, and this occasion was no exception.

The creative activist injected his vibrant personality on to the runway, successfully blurring the lines between sports, glamour and couture.

Naturally, every look had been given a glitzy makeover: leopard spots, polka dots, zebra stripes and gingham patterns were heavily embellished. A plunging jumpsuit, floor-sweeping evening dress and sexy mini stood out from this divine sea of sequins.

Temperley London

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Entering its nineteenth year of business, Temperley London is epitomised by modern bohemianism with a confident attitude.

A comprehensive range of daywear, cocktail and eveningwear was presented, often featuring the intricate hand-worked embellishment that has become synonymous with this brand.

Our favourite looks included a rich plum velvet suit, a racy Grecian wrap dress printed with musical notes, and a leather all-in-one layered over a lace blouse and ballet flats.

Rebekah Absalom