Behind the Seams: Little Hotdog Watson on London Fashion Week

London fashion week, I love it! There are loads of reasons why it’s so important to the fashion industry, but setting the trends for the upcoming year and being able to see new designers emerging are two of my favourites - it’s wonderful to see so much creativity being brought together. 

Images: @halpernstudio, @burberry and @sadiewilliams_uk

I know for some, fashion week can feel a bit detached from reality, with flamboyant designs and deadpan faces as they strut up and down the catwalk - but that’s all part of the fun and just the styling. Things are often dressed up to make an impact. But beneath it all there are clever ideas, cutting edge garments and practical designs which will carry through onto the high street and in independent stores before hitting our wardrobes. Every shop from Asda and Primark to off-the-rail designer stuff, takes its inspiration from Fashion Week!

Image: @mrsselfportrait

New York Fashion Week is also huge. It came first and despite the rain it had packed out shows as usual. Highlights included Self Portrait who made their mark by bringing together fun and flirty with a more serious side than seen before. Not sure you recognise the brand? You’ll probably recognise some of their dresses, as worn by nearly every major A-lister last year.

Zimmerman was another fave, with their pops of cherry and mixing up prints in a flattering way. Gorgeous.

Image: @zimmermann

Hopping over to London, the big talk was Victoria Beckham’s celebratory London show marking 10 years in the industry. This was her first London show as she normally shows in NY. Not only was it glorious in its own right, but she live streamed it to Piccadilly Circus which was a first for Fashion Week.

Image: @victoriabeckham

Kidswear made its mark for the second year with it’s own show, Mini Mode. Last season H and I were guests and this season we exhibited, with our hats gracing the young models. We couldn’t attend due to our holiday but we found a celeb fan in the audience who has been in touch for their very own panda hat. 

Image: @tosh73 via @alegremedia

There are still lots of shows going on which I highly recommend having a peek at online. Here’s who to follow if you want the insider scoop:

Mercer 7 - this online mag usually covers NY but is covering London this season. Great if you want to see things through a designer’s eye.

Eva Chen - A New Yorker and one of the biggest Fashion know-its on the gram. I love her quirky sense of style.

Donna/Sulky aka Sulky Doll - A stylist who looks at how to capture the moment for her celeb clients dressing throughout the year.

Emma of Finlay Fox - A former womenswear buyer with children who knows her stuff, great for kidswear coverage.

Victoria in the Frow - Victoria is a Youtuber with a PhD in Fashion. She’s so much more than an influencer, she’s someone who knows her fashion and has a commercial eye for the new brands and trends - highly recommended to follow.

Do you love London Fashion Week as much as I do? I'd love to know what trends you're loving? Leave a comment here or on Instagram to let me know :)

If you like this blog you may like Backstage Pass: Behind the Seams at our AW18 Press Show.