London Fashion Week at Kensington Roof Gardens


www.londonethnic.com
kittyferreira.co.uk/
http://uk.burberry.com/
 
Laura Dark's Menswear Collection at London Ethnic's Event
 Faustine Steinmetz Alluring Showcase. We even caught a guy sketching one of her muses
 Christopher Raeburn's Show - Farah wanted every piece for her wardrobe!
Kitty Ferreira's Pomonion Shirt & Shorts
 

His

Her

The Experience
Fashion Party at Kensington Roof Gardens, London
His Perspective
Fashion is interesting in the respect that it has to walk the line between form and function. At times function rules over form (think, sandals and bumbags), and at other times form over function (Farah’s Cape). There’s an area between form and function where fashion lives, and where most of us as consumers decide what we like. Designers often view fashion as art, but by definition art has no function, therefore it cannot be viable for consumption. When events like London Fashion Week come along, the confines of function are often forgotten by designers, and they can focus on form, and express themselves artistically – especially shown in Faustine Steinmetz showcase. It certainly does provide an interesting mix of people and pieces.

I like to dabble in fashion, to attend shows and events, and see what the designers are showcasing. But I feel like many people in the crowd get the wrong idea and take it as an opportunity to wear some outrageous and, in my mind at least, ridiculous outfits. Now, just because Damien Hurst puts a Tiger Shark in formaldehyde and creates a stunning piece of art, doesn’t mean you can do the same thing and think its art. Translate that into LFW, and many other fashion events, and just enjoy the creativity that the real designers are putting out. It’s a great time to enjoy some really avant garde lines and ideas, but unfortunately, also to be shocked by some questionable wardrobe decisions.

LFW was celebrated at Kensington Roof Gardens, which is part of the Virgin Limited Edition Collection, and I didn’t expect anything less from Branson, even a well-positioned Orange Lamborghini Aventador parked out the front (Ok, I guess he had nothing to do with that). We enjoyed the night wandering the gardens, and reminiscing of our stay at Richard Branson’s other estate, Ulusaba, where I proposed to Farah. The grounds were opulent and it was a shame London Ethnic’s catwalk show didn’t utilise the gardens more. The show itself was great though, it was nice to see models that weren’t stick thin, and the clothes were practical, wearable yet still creative enough to be on the catwalk.



Her Perspective
First Fashion Week ever in London, and we were lucky enough to have been invited to view a few SS15 showcases and catwalks. I love how Fashion Week brings out the stylish and crazy outfits, like do they hide out every other week of the year?

The best thing about fashion week is getting to know the stories behind the brands, and in this instance we were able to learn more about some local British designers. Some stand outs were;

Christopher Raeburn – Raeburn became known for his creative reinterpretation of military fabrics. I specifically loved the detailing, the military greens and the sheer 2 piece outfits. All wearable, and all very now.

Faustine Steinmetz – her SS15 showcase was truly mesmerising, stepping into the dark showroom with lighting perfectly aligned so her deconstructed denim was in full view. The workmanship behind these pieces should be celebrated – made out of East London, the spin, dye and weave process is so meticulous, that one person is responsible for each piece, with some taking over a week to weave – you can view the video here.

Laura Dark – her menswear collection was a standout, eclectic yet modern and tailored. Her showcase was part at London Ethnic’s event, an avenue to showcase up and comers, and to celebrate the start of Fashion Week. Held in the beautiful Kensington Roof Gardens, which sits under Richard Branson’s portfolio of real estate, the venue was quite a standout in itself.

We were treated with goodie bags, Krispy Krème donuts, complimentary make-up (boys optional), a vibrant fashion show, live band and an alluring cocktail list.




 
The Brand
http://kittyferreira.co.uk
Her Pomonion Shirt & Shorts by Kitty Ferreira

His Perspective
It’s a refreshing change when someone decides to make a living with one eye on the environment as well. Kitty Ferreira’s sustainable take on fashion is just that, and it is a great example of how people can help make a change in business for the better.

Her shirt and shorts are made from pomegranate and onion skin, and oddly enough, the first thing I thought was: Can I eat it?

With that thought aside, I managed to take in the actual design. I really like the way it falls lazily on Farah’s frame and with the warm yellow and brown shades, it definitely signals an Autumn piece.

Perfect timing for the season and for LFW.






 



Her Perspective
The brains and beauty behind Kitty Ferreira is Valerie Goode, her brand is yet another local brand manufactured and sourced in the UK. I love the story – the brand is her grandmother’s name, and the inspiration is her grandmother’s lifestyle. Modest, ethical and sustainable.

Her exquisitely made pieces use upcycled fabrics and silks eco-dyed by hand, the one I’m wearing was made with pomegranate and onion skins. How unique is that! Surprisingly the fruit and veg produced a beautiful print, and since it’s made by hand each piece is different from the next, which means you wear a bespoke item that’s exclusive to you!

The tailoring and length of the shorts, teamed with the buttoned-up, long sleeve is flattering, modest, yet alluring. The silkiness of the outfit made me feel elegant. And the compliments I received all night from this outfit made me feel confident.

Ps. She tailors to suit you! And ships internationally. Check out her collection here – kittyferreira.co.uk
 
The Brand 
His Burberry Sweater

His Perspective
Burberry is the quintessential Brit brand. It’s always been something I wanted when I was younger (not sure where that came from), and now it’s always somewhere I look when I am on the hunt for something classy with an oldschool feel. It’s rarely flashy, which is just about right for me, but no matter what you're wearing or where you’re going, as soon as someone catches the trademark tartan, they always stare.
This Burberry Black knit is a piece I picked up in Shinjuku and it’s been a great addition to my wardrobe.



Her Perspective
Burberry is the epitome of British style, and its trademark check and equestrian knight heritage icons are compelling and globally recognised. The trademark is subtle on this sweater, and it can be worn formal with a shirt and tie, or casual chic with a tee and jeans. We bought this in Japan, and the service we received was second to none, with the standout being the sales girl offering the purchase with two hands and a 90 degree bow, she kept that stance until we walked out of the store even though we insisted she stand!


 

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"She is my inspiration and He is my life manager"
We are newlyweds. This blog is a His & Her Perspective on our travels and experiences.

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