London Fashion Week AW16 Visual Diary
It may be a fashion week somewhere, but London fashion week AW16 is officially over for another season. The Brewer street car park space has gotten over its initial SS16 teething problems, and AW16 aside from the usual Peacocks, went down without a style hitch. Big news from the week was Mulberry and Alexander Mcqueen returning to the catwalk schedule. Gareth Pugh in his second season back to LFW showcased at Fashion Scout and Meadham Kirchoff made a small return, designing the womenswear for the Gothic Princess Sophia Webster presentation. It was such a great week, and always something I look forward to on my editorial schedule. Thank God LFW isn't about hobbling on the cobble in impossible heels my high top Chuck II converse, paired with pieces from Boohoo were enough.
Catwalk vs Presentation
There was a big hooh-hah at NYFW for Diane von Furstenberg for creating a presentation rather than a standard catwalk, but these kind of showcases are normal when it comes to London. I scaled down from my usual hectic schedule and opted for just a couple of catwalk shows, backstage coverage and presentations attending Clio peppiatt, Manuel Facchini, Edeline Lee and We are Kin which made its debut at the apartment. I adore presentations, they are essentially interactive look books and there is the opportunity to get close up to the actual collection. Edeline Lee showcased a kaleidoscope wonderland at the Vinyl factory, the busy backdrop was offset with utilitarian seperates and dresses.
It can't be denied that catwalks do have an electric energy. Clothes are obviously designed to be worn and it is always great to see how garments actually move on the model. Topshop Newgen recipient Ryan Lo presented an unabashed ultra-feminine collection, that was unapologetically pretty and frilly.
What's in my Handbag?
This season I collaborated with Vita Coco to talk all things #LFWhandbagessential. As a photographer at London Fashion week, I start with my Huawei phone, Canon DSLR and lenses. My 28-300mm works best for catwalk, and street style and my 40mm macro lens is for general use. With the 40mm the images are sharp, and at a f2.8 is sufficient in low light, aided with my constant LED lamp. It is so important to stay hydrated, so I make sure to pack a couple of vita cocos, one latte or cafe Mocha and a classic coconut water. It was freezing and I anticipated my hands being exposed whilst snapping street style, so I made sure to bring a mini pot of vita coco coconut oil as cuticle and hand cream. Luckily Vita Coco is a major supplier at fashion week so it is always possible to grab a vita coco backstage.
Check out my key coverage from earlier in the week, thank you @VitaCocoUK again for fuelling my week.