London Fashion Week Fall 2012 Hit List
Marcus Lupfer's Fall 2012 presentation. Photo: Marcus Lupfer1/262. Leather track pants
Not to be confused with leather leggings, the new leather pant is slouchy and all grown up. It first emerged at the New York shows, then revved into high gear at London Fashion Week. Acne and Topshop Unique both showed cool versions, but Marcus Lupfer's track pant take with elasticized waistband was my favorite. Prediction: this will be the new model-off-duty staple at next season's shows.
Mary Katrantzou for Topshop tee. Photo: Topshop2/261. Topshop NewGen 10 Tees
The London fashion emporium celebrated ten years of supporting emerging British talent with limited-edition t-shirts created by past NewGen recipients. Designers include Christopher Kane, Erdem, and Mary Katrantzou (who duplicated the multicolor carnation field print from her spring runway show). Based on the speed with which the fashion pack snatched up the tees, I would advise you run don't walk if you want to get your hands on one!
Lana Del Rey at Mulberry's Fall 2012 show. Photo: Getty3/263. The next It bag
Move over, Alexa Chung. You're not the only It girl with a namesake Mulberry bag to call her own. The British heritage brand christened its latest carryall the Del Ray—after, you guessed it, Lana Del Ray, who was front row at the house's show to see it make its runway debut. The Del Ray won't hit stores until fall, but naturally Lana already snagged one.
Alexa Chung, Jeremy Irvine, and Clemence Posey at Burberry's Fall 2012 show. Photo: Jane Keltner de Valle4/264. The Front Row
Speaking of stars, they came out in full force at London Fashion Week. Kanye West was at Mark Fast; Kate Bosworth and Eddie Redmayne were among the notables at Burberry; and, in addition to Lana Del Ray, Mulberry played host to Oscar nominee Michelle Williams, Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery (aka Lady Mary), and hip hop newbie Azealia Banks.
Rihanna at Stella McCartney's party. Photo: Getty5/265. Dancing on Tables
Stella McCartney's eveningwear-presentation-slash-black-tie-dinner-slash-magic-show-slash-dance-party attracted the likes of Rihanna, Kate Moss, and a levitating Alexa Chung. But it was supermodels Amber Valletta and Shalom Harlow, who made it a night to remember. They kicked off the dance party by literally jumping up on the dinner tables and busting a move. For the record, it was pre-choreographed. Don't try this at home, kids.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Kate Bosworth at Burberry's Fall 2012 show. Photo: Jane Keltner de Valle6/264. The Front Row
Supermodels dancing on tables at Stella McCartney. Photo: Jane Keltner de Valle7/265. Dancing on Tables
Supermodels dancing on tables at Stella McCartney. Photo: Jane Keltner de Valle8/265. Dancing on Tables
Lucian Freud artwork. Photo: National Portrait Gallery9/266. Art Scene
Inspiration wasn't limited to the runway. London is currently home to two major retrospectives: Lucian Freud at the National Portrait Gallery and David Hockney at The Royal Academy of Arts. Both are must-sees!
David Hockney artwork. Photo: The Royal Academy of Arts10/266. Art Scene
A look from Prada Fall 2012. Photo: Fairchild Archive11/267. David Hicks-inspired prints
If you aren't familiar with the work of the late English interior designer David Hicks, now is the time to brush up. His signature geometric patterns in clashing colors are trending on the runways this season, most notably at Prada. Expect geo-patterns to make their way to your closet by fall.
A look from Prada Fall 2012. Photo: Fairchild Archive12/267. David Hicks-inspired prints
A look from Prada Fall 2012. Photo: Fairchild Archive13/267. David Hicks-inspired prints
A look from Prada Fall 2012. Photo: Fairchild Archive14/267. David Hicks-inspired prints
A look from Peter Pilotto Fall 2012. Photo: Fairchild Archive15/268. Power Puffs
Puffers are getting a high fashion makeover for spring. At Peter Pilotto, Pilotto and his design partner Christopher De Vos cropped them at the waist, gave them dramatic collars, and saturated them in their signature prints. Here's to hoping we actually get some cold weather next winter.
A look from Topshop Unique Fall 2012. Photo: Fairchild Archive16/269. The New Le Smoking
Considering Yves Saint Laurent created Le Smoking (the then-revolutionary tudo suit for women) way back in 1966, it's about time another androgynous eveningwear option emerged. Enter Topshop Unique's black velvet overalls paired with a white satin shirt. They're masculine yet sexy, forward-thinking yet timeless, and guaranteed to turn heads.
A look from Peter Pilotto Fall 2012. Photo: Fairchild Archive Photo: Fairchild Archive17/268. Power Puffs
A look from J.W. Anderson Fall 2012. Photo: Fairchild Archive18/2610. Platform Penny Loafers
When fashion maverick and our Febraury cover girl Elle Fanning showed up to her interview in penny loafers, we knew their popularity must be on the rise. But even we couldn't have predicted the heights to which it would climb. Stacked on four-inch platforms, the penny loafers at J.W. Anderson offer the comfort of flats with the lift of heels. Talk about filling a tall order!
A look from Simone Rocha Fall 2012. Photo: Fairchild Archive19/2611. The New Kid
Simone Rocha's father John Rocha is already an established designer in the U.K., but he's going to have to start sharing the spotlight. The younger Rocha generated major buzz with her white-on-white fall collection, which could be described as a techno twist on classics. Think laser-cut lace jackets and midriff-baring oord shirts in silver PVC. Generation next has arrived.
A look from Simone Rocha Fall 2012. Photo: Fairchild Archive20/2611. The New Kid
A look from Simone Rocha Fall 2012. Photo: Fairchild Archive21/2611. The New Kid
A look from Simone Rocha Fall 2012. Photo: Fairchild Archive22/2611. The New Kid
A look from Simone Rocha Fall 2012. Photo: Fairchild Archive23/2611. The New Kid
A look from Simone Rocha Fall 2012. Photo: Fairchild Archive24/2611. The New Kid
A look from McQ Fall 2012. Photo: Fairchild Archive25/2612. McQ's First Ever Runway Show
All the theatrics and fantastic fashion you expect from an Alexander McQueen show were present in spades at the runway premiere of the house's secondary line, McQ. Themes ranged from military to nature, with belted tartan coats and flower-bedecked dresses being highlights. Oh, and the drama wasn't limited to the clothes: The models sported UFO-inspired hair. Out of this world, indeed.
A look from McQ Fall 2012. Photo: Fairchild Archive26/2612. McQ's First Ever Runway Show
