LONDON FASHION WEEK : Fur Fantasies for AW15 by Claire Buffoni
With the madness of London Fashion Week over, I finally have the chance to share my top picks and fur fantasies of AW15. This year, British designers truly outdid themselves and as troops of Amazonian models glided down the catwalk draped in fur and leather, my heart skipped several beats.
For a fashion lover, there is nothing more exciting than fashion week, and whichever country you’re in, you’ll never be disappointed. Somerset House courtyard is the perfect place to people-watch the fashion elite, and daring outfits in every print, material and colour never cease to amaze me. Fashion Editors, Bloggers and exhibitionists descend in their masses for a week of presentations, shows and colourful flaunting of wardrobes and this year, London Fashion Week was outstanding.
Together with my lovely Ladyfur, I launched myself into the thick of it, donned my fluffiest clothing, and strolled down to the Strand in search of this season’s fur fantasies – and fantasies they were.
BELSTAFF
Belstaff’s AW15 collection drew inspiration from pioneering aviatrixes, Amelia Earhart and Amy Johnson; in the words of the former, ‘adventure is worthwhile in itself’, my adventure, taking place in a crumbling mansion, surrounded by cascades of silk parachutes, was certainly worthwhile. Growing up with a crush on Top Gun’s Maverick, aviator jackets are an obsession and trimmed with fur and shearling collars, Belstaff created my idea of perfection. The ever naughty child in me couldn’t help stroking the arm of a plush fur coat (model inside), and it’s warm, autumnal hues or browns and orange were the perfect contrast against the sharp, masculine cuts of British army-style coats and parkas. To see all photos click here
H BY HAKAAN YILDIRIM
As a devout lover of horror films, the haunting melodies played at the H by Hakaan Yildirim show, built up my itching anticipation to see what was about the emerge onto the catwalk. Taking inspiration from cult 70s film, Grey Gardens, along with the help of John Carpenter’s ominous rhythms, Turkish born designer Hakaan, made me sit on the edge of my seat covered in goosebumps. Oversized statement coats were showcased in ruby red and soft pink, and my absolute favourite item of his AW15 collection was a rich, emerald green and red tiger print shearling coat – a piece taking animal print to the next level. To see all photos click here
ROKSANDA ILINCIC
If you love coloured fur as much as me, you would have been in seventh heaven at the Roksanda Ilincic show. Her bold, colour clashing silhouettes popped on the psychedelic catwalk and the performance was a treat to watch. I cannot pick my favourite piece from this collection, the electric blue and orange intarsia furs were the stuff of dreams – my ultimate fur fantasy. I am obsessed with oversized fur stoles, the brighter the better, and taking inspiration from Roksanda, I will be wearing them crossed over the front of all my coats as fluffy lapels, nipped together at the waist by my beloved vintage metal plate belt. Vibrant dyed fox fur was also used to craft beautifully soft fold-over clutch bags – the kind of fluff you just want to nuzzle. To see all photos click here
LULU LIU
As a good friend of Ladyfur, Lulu Liu’s AW15 collection had to be viewed, and the designer didn’t disappoint. Lulu’s ‘Play Design’ collection aimed to portray the plight of women as they strive to find their own identity in an ever-changing, fast-paced world.
Beautiful fabrics in hues of green and blue were manipulated using fringing and frills, and zip adjustments allowed jackets to shape-shift, creating a different design aspect to the garment. The contrast of clean-lined power-skirts in peacock blue leather and sturdy, yet delicate tweed ruffles, created a blend of empowered femininity and effortlessly highlighted the concept of a modern woman in charge of her own destiny. Lulu wants us to stop and appreciate the splendour – I sat, and I appreciated.
I soon stood up when a tan, cream and sky-blue woven leather biker jacket came gliding down the catwalk. Also designed in a long coat version, these pieces were my absolute favourites, and when nipping backstage to congratulate Lulu, she went and made my day by lending one to me to wear to my final show of LFW. Quite literally stealing the jacket off the model’s back, I metaphorically skipped out of Freemason’s Hall feeling very content with life. Putting on the piece the next evening, I felt chic, self-assured and comfortable within myself – Lulu’s concept through and through.
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Don’t miss my first post about Fur Accessories
All fur looks of Lady Fur
Amazing post!!!