From left to right: E.Tautz, Model, Marios Schwab, Model, Erdem, Model, Model, Nicholas Kirkwood, Mary Katrantzou, Model, Model, Jonathan Saunders, Peter Pilotto, Model, Model, Roksanda Ilincic, Richard Nicoll, Model, Model, Todd Lynn, Model!

This was one of the most exciting moments in my little fashion career.

In fact it was so very overwhelming I actually had to distance myself from it for about, ooh, three weeks so that this little moment in my life didn't translate to an utterly garbled article. Of course now that I'm remembering the enormity of the occasion, all hopes of a cohesive non garbling article have gone out the window.

I'm officially a British fashion fan girl. I mean I always have been (being British and all) but I didn't realise quite how much until I saw the collections in person, and met their wonderful creators. The best way I can describe my visit (and subsequent visits) to the British Fashion Council's London Show Rooms was that moment when you see a renowned piece of art for the first time, for instance Monet's Water Lillies or Van Gogh's Sunflowers. Pieces of work so iconic that they're instantly recognisable. Having literally poured over the images from London Fashion Week and knowing the work of these designers so well, each collection was instantly recognisable and quite breathtaking. Yes, as breathtaking as world renowned art that's hundreds of years old.

You may recognise the picture above from all the press coverage thus far. It's actually my picture – the photographer went home for the day and I was the only one left in the building with a professional camera. So this picture appeared in a lot of the press outlets, including the Los Angeles Times, it's my own little iconic moment that belongs to me ;)

Sooo. Now for the actual design/designers…..

Mary Katrantzou

Mary Katrantzou was not only one my favourites from London Fashion Week, but one of my favourites in person – so sweet and so humble and so unbelievable talented. Up close her prints are insane – I don't believe anyone designing today (or perhaps in days gone by) work with prints like Mary does. Between the vibrancy and the placement and the patterns themselves each piece is a work of art.

Without gushing too much, I think Mary Katrantzou is one of the most, if not the most, talented young designers in the world today. I can't wait to see more when I go to London in February (especially since I have an invitation from Mary to visit the studio…!)

I said it a month or so ago after seeing the photos of the collections – and I mean it even more now – wearing a Mary Katrantzou – is on the bucket list (and thanks to her upcoming collection with Topshop – marginally possible….saving now!!)

Jonathan Saunders

Another one of my favourites from London Fashion Week showing at the London Show Rooms, was Jonathan Saunders. The boy is hilarious. When I asked if he was enjoying Los Angeles, he responded "What's not to like, I've been drunk since I got here"

Charming, hilarious and looking for love or just a svelte homosexual (gentlemen?) Jonathan Saunders creates simply gorgeous clothing. There wasn't a piece I wouldn't wear to death – prints, brocade, feminine silhouettes and a pastel palette that's sweet but not sickly.

Love.

Erdem

If you've read this blog awhile, then you know how much I love Erdem. His collections have hit the my top ten every season for as long as I've been writing this blog. Meeting him was the most stammer inducing experience, but like the other designers he was humble and excessively likeable. And he loved my fingernails, describing them as "Aztec Surfer Inspired" – spot on!

His collection was everything you would expect up close, delicate and so very pretty. I told him that he designs with me in mind, even if he wasn't aware of that…

Roksanda Ilincic

Roksanda Ilincic was another designer from my top ten at London Fashion Week – but I don't think I truly appreciated her work until I saw it in person. The colour is intensely vibrant and the play on volume and oversize elements (from print to bell sleeves) is uniquely whimsical. I loved the styling on the catwalk (with the beanie hats) – high fashion grunge, without a literal grunge element at all.

Nicholas Kirkwood

Nicholas Kirkwood shhhooooooeeeesss. Yes. Shhhooooooeeeesss. How luscious are these cordwainery creations? Elegant and whimsical and ohhh so colourful. It's all about the detail, the heel on the slipper loafer with the neon lace overlay creates a shoe that is positively dreamy.

The selection and creativity was quite overwhelming and Nicholas was again, humble and charming. (it's clearly a British design thing…)

The Best of the Rest

Stunning prints from Peter Pilotto

Marios Schwab

Louise Gray

True That.

Till February London….

Kelsi x