| | | | | | |

London Fashion Weekend and my FIRST MAJOR FASHION SHOW…

ByThe Avant Garde
Last weekend I ventured out of the North East for the first time in three months after breaking my ankle. Typically, I didn’t choose a relaxing yoga weekend to ease myself back into things. I’d bought my London Fashion Weekend ticket just after Christmas when I realised that Mary Katrantzou was showing her AW 2016 collection there, and excitedly waited until the end of February for my trip.

I decided not to hit London Fashion Week this time, because it would have meant me running around London for ten days and I think that would have been pushing it a bit far. I watched everything online which got me in the mood for the style frenzy that was to follow! 



I had a Friday silver ticket which gave me access to the shopping areas set up in the Saatchi Gallery and access to the Mary Katrantzou show at 7pm. I skipped off the train at Kings Cross and tubed it to Sloane Square, which has amazing shopping – I especially like Duke of York Square which boasts a huge Zara, my favourite book shop Taschen, Monica Vinader and the Liz Earle shop and spa. I couldn’t resist having a quick look around before going into the Gallery.

Upon arrival I swapped my ticket for a lovely tote bag designed by Preen full of goodies, such as Lavazza coffee, Loreal moisturiser, Baby Lips balm by Maybelline and Elle magazine. As soon as I walked in I was slightly overwhelmed with the number of other visitors, but soon got used to the hustle and bustle.

I headed straight to the designer gallery, and was over the moon to find some of my favourite designers Fyodor Golan and Kit Neale amongst others with stands there – and quickly got an amazing bargain on a Fyodor Golan My Little Pony sweater. The Shoe Gallery on the Second Floor played home cool new brogue company Rogues for the weekend (I loved their maroon brogues with neon orange laces and a Bowie lighting streak down the back). I also discovered Finsk, an extremely unique brand with an amazing selection of architectural footwear. I got talking to the business manager who told me more about the designer and the process. These shoes are gravity-defying!!! (Look out for a post on Finsk later). 



A special occasion calls for some fizz, so I stopped off for a rest at the Pommery bar and had a cheeky glass whilst reading the official magazine and mentally telling myself not to spend too much money.  The Lavazza bar was also a godsend, with specially designed Ryan Lo coffee cups making your caffeine hit stylish. I was a little disappointed to miss out on going to one of the talks happening (this year Nicholas Kirkwood and Pam Hogg were there) – definitely on my list for next time!

Lavazza Coffee Bar

Just before the fashion show I swung by the Maybelline bar for a make-up touch-up – the lovely makeup artist reapplied my foundation and gave me smoky eyes (you could get four products for 18 pounds)! I felt ready to hit the Mary Katrantzou show, so I made my way up a secret staircase to get to the front of the queue…

I couldn’t contain my excitement! I was so captivated by the collection that I kept forgetting to take photographs the intricate details and stunning appliqués that were the centrepiece of the collection. My highlight was definitely the shoes – some of boots were just works of art – I was literally drooling by the end of the show! 

On a high, I left the gallery and went to meet my friend for dinner. My visit was well worth the ticket price, and reminded me of the designer showrooms at London Fashion Week. Except you could actually buy everything here (you have to wait six months at Fashion Week).

I can’t wait to come back in September. I definitely recommend that you save, save, save before you go – the bargains are amazing!!!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *