So far, London Fashion Week spring 2014 brought a myriad of whimsical alternatives into the spotlight. As more and more spring 2014 collections are unveiled, we discover multitude of creative alternatives with many interesting sources of inspiration.
If some designers chose to keep things on a light, cheerful note, others used their spring/summer 2014 collections as a powerful serious statement which draws attention on serious problems that affect society today:
London Fashion Week Spring 2014: Vivienne Westwood Red Label Collection
The Vivienne Westwood spring 2014 show kicked off with Lily Collins performing a dance routine inspired by “ The Red Shoes” fairytale written by Hans Christian Andersen.
The routine was meant to uncover the socio-political message behind the designer’s spring 2014 line: climate change related issues. The story was the perfect metaphor to draw attention on the problem of rampant consumerism.
The Vivenne Westwood Red Label spring 2014 line was defined surprisingly wearable alternatives: boxy suit jackets, corseted dresses, high waist knee length shorts and bold T-shirts with the Climate Revolution message imprinted on them. The makeup and hairstyle choices were as dramatic as always. View more from the Vivienne Westwood Red Label spring 2014 collection
London Fashion Week Spring 2014: Mulberry Collection
Mulberry’s creative director Emma Hill also used children’s books (“Mr. Men”) as inspiration, however, with much less somber connotations. For her last collection with the label, she focused on ‘Le Style Anglais’ and brought ’60s inspired alternatives with a fab modern twist.
Elegant yet practical alternatives with a feminine allure dominated the new line. If bold flower motifs showed a romantic allure, edgy leather dresses and boxy tops brought an interesting contrast. View more from the Mulberry spring 2014 collection
London Fashion Week Spring 2014: Matthew Williamson Collection
Once again, Matthew Williamson focused on vibrant prints and brought a myriad of elegant, ladylike ensembles into the spotlight. Even though he focused on fulfilling the needs of his target customer “her thirties and forties now; she has kids, a job, and responsibilities. She is the same free spirit inside but, like the rest of us, maturing—and I have to respond to that,” he left plenty of room for playfulness pattern-wise: “I wanted the prints to look like a five-year-old girl had done them.”
The result is an exciting set of alternatives with an ultra feminine twist: flirty skirts, cropped jackets, shift dresses, loose pants or elegant organza dresses were just some of the best highlights of the show. View more from the Matthew Williamson spring 2014 collection
London Fashion Week Spring 2014: Mary Katrantzou Collection
It was all about shoes at the spring 2014 Mary Katrantzou show. The Greek designer used gorgeous shoes as a starting point for the new line: men’s brogues, sneakers and pumps, each style inspiring a certain set of outfits. The soundtrack chosen for the collection, The Rolling Stones’ song “She’s a Rainbow,” was certainly suitable for the new line which brought a myriad of complex motifs and patterns which never failed to attract attention. As fans of the label already know, there’s no such thing as too much print in the designer’s book. View more from the Mary Katrantzou spring 2014 collection
London Fashion Week Spring 2014: House of Holland Collection
The House of Holland 2014 line was filled with colorful ’50s style- inspired pieces: fab shirtdresses, checkered skirts, gingham cardigans and several chic tops with religious motifs. There were also several Mexico City influences which brought a hint of playfulness to the new season looks.
Blending sporty vibes, playfulness and femininity is often a tough challenge, but designer Henry Holland managed to ace it with flying colors. View more from the House of Holland spring 2014 collection
Roxy Johnson
Typical beauty and fashion enthusiast, always looking out for the moment's hottest trends
