Hello guys & dolls!
So its been a while since I last wrote... its now the middle of September, Autumn is settling in and the summer days seem to be decreasing and the nights getting darker! My favourite time of year... snuggly knits and lots of layering!
September excitingly means that London Fashion Week has crept up on us yet again, showcasing the most lustful fashion attire for SS14. I thought this year about getting some tickets, but I'm currently unemployed at the moment... thank goodness for the Live Stream!
Photo courtesy (now-here-this.timeout.com)
This gives me a fantastic opportunity to cram in as many fashion shows if not all of them over the course of the next few days!
On Saturday I watched Holly Fulton's ace collection strut its stuff, followed by John Rocha's show and Whistles SS14 later in the day which was amazing! Expect to see quite a few feature posts popping up on here over the next few days, my typing fingers are going to be tired!
Photo courtesy (www.fashionbeans.com)
The first show in #LFW I watched was Christopher Raeburn's beautiful safari chic collection that debuted last Friday @ 3pm. The man himself, pictured above... is my first feature for #LFW.
With this SS14 collection entitled "Mirage" there are many visual connotations that you can conjure up about the aesthetic of Raeburn's latest catwalk debut, desert friendly being one of them! Considering his faultless approach to prints, fabrics and silhouette teamed with Militarian inspired detailing, Christopher Raeburn has yet again sewn his fashion magic wonderfully!
Strutting down the runway, his garments are flawless in execution and appear to give the wearer a sense of protection, utility and functionality. A very wearable collection to note. The main colour palette was muted nude tones, complimented by bright turquoise, indigo, black, white and gold. Subtle hints of pastel pink and light silvery grey were incorporated into pretty mirage style patterns.
Raeburn's smart collection had a definite sportswear feel to it, with high shine fabrics possessing a lightweight translucent quality. Day Dresses with collars, hoods and gathered waists featured on the runway in a soft eclectic palette with printed matching accessories to compliment.
Raeburn's work ethic "remade" that's previously seen the unique translation of original British Military fabrics into his garments, appears to be an ongoing core inspiration in his collections both past and present.
One of my favourite pieces on the runway was the french navy quilted high shine bomber jacket with contrasting black sleeves and grey panel detailing. It a very understated jacket with a contemporary twist and looks so comfortable to wear! The perfect transitional piece for Spring!
I'm also really drawn to Raeburn's sandstorm printed tow-piece tracksuit. Its a high luxe feminine sportswear piece reminiscent of desert military and parachute uniforms.
The sandstorm inspired print featured on lightweight parkas, with the pattern giving a tie-dye- esque feel. Raeburn's utilitarian approach to garments is evident with this grey shorts and jacket combo, it has a cool safari vibe to it styled with the backpack, smart and uncompromising of practicality.
Styling throughout the show was kept simple, models were given make-unders and hair was slicked back and styled naturally. Beautifully tailored high shine macs and cloudy camo prints spoke volumes about the brand on the runway.
Christopher Raeburn's Mirage SS14 collection possessed such fine quality in design and execution. With an innovative and resourceful approach to fashion, I find it refreshing to see him combine the traditional with reworked modern techniques. Each garment has a heritage, a story, an idea from something that once was... purposely created for comfort and function.
Proud to be British, all garments are designed and produced in Christopher Raeburn's East London studio.
All catwalk images courtesy of londonfashionweek.co.uk
Find out more about Christopher Raeburn
Hope you enjoyed reading this piece...What are your thoughts?
More posts to follow soon,
Kate XXX
