#bestinshow is a feature in which Prancing Through LIFE contributors collate their five favourite collections from New York, London, Paris and Milan each season. This week, PTL’s Editor, Sam Prance, singles out his favourite looks from London Fashion Week.
1. Burberry Prorsum
It’s funny to think that Burberry once had a reputation as tacky. This isn’t to say that a designer brand can’t embrace tackiness and still have an appeal – Versace, I love you – but Burberry is so clearly anything but tacky. The new season in particular is an example of this. The nature motifs, the sheer, the peep-toe heels – it’s a lesson in elegance and the billowing silk scarfs will no doubt grace the shoulders of the chicest of the chic.
2. Richard Nicoll
For years LFW has positioned itself as the most innovative of fashion weeks. The trouble which comes with this is that many a season LFW can lay claim to an array of collections that try a little too hard to push the boundaries of fashion. Thankfully Richard Nicoll sits on the right side of innovation and this collection – with its lamé detailing, tea dresses and loafers – is most definitely one of his best. That all blue combo is what fashion is all about.
3. Julien Macdonald
From his position as a judge on Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model to his most recent stint on Strictly – it’s easy to forget that Julien MacDonald is more than just a reality television star. However, one look at his most recent collection and it becomes apparent just why this man earned his notoriety in the first place. His clothes master sexual appeal. Here’s hoping they find their way onto a certain Beyoncé (again) in the next few months.
4. Simone Rocha
Some people are born into fashion, some people achieve high fashion credentials and others have fashion thrust open them. Simone Rocha was one of the few lucky people to be born into fashion – John Rocha, we salute you – and it looks as though Simone made the most of her upbringing. From cage netting ankle skirts to snakeskin suits this is her strongest collection to date. Keep up the good work Simone – you’re quite the talent.
5. Mary Katrantzou
Ever since her LFW debut, I’ve had a love/hate relationship with Mary Katrantzou. In that first collection she established herself as a pioneer of print – taking it in new and innovative directions. However, as seasons have passed it’s become clear that a Katrantzou print can be a little bit too much for me. And yet, her AW designs are not too much. In fact they’re bloody perfect. Hats off to you Katrantzou – you’re one of London’s finest.
So there we have it – five of the best collections of LFW, AW 2014.
Sam Prance
Sam Prance is the Editor of Prancing Through LIFE. He studies French and Italian at Edinburgh University. His favourite film is American Beauty and he has Madonna marathons far too often. He is currently writing this auto-bio in the third person. He will now stop writing this third person auto-bio in order to save himself some embarrassment.
If you’re interested in getting involved with PTL – drop us an email on prancingthroughlife@live.com.
(All images sourced from: www.style.com)