LFW SS15: Day 4

I wore: head to toe Mulberry with kate spade new york sunglasses
Image by The Nyanzi Report

You know how I told you I got really, really ill and had to miss Milan? Well that all kicked off on day 4 of LFW SS15 and proved to be one of the most horrible experiences I’ve ever had. After missing Antonio Berardi because I was unable to summon the strength to do literally anything, I managed to force myself out of bed and into the Mulberry ensemble I’d so been looking forward to wear it in time to just make the Roksanda Ilincic show. And thank God I did because her collection was absolute perfection…

Roksanda Ilincic SS15

Every time I see a Roksanda show I think to myself “this is definitely her best one yet!” Then, the next season, I think the same thing all over again. That was most certainly the case for SS15 and the second the first looks hit the runway, a vision in electric shades of coral, blue, pink and mint, I was a goner. Deftly sculpted silhouettes that were neither bodycon nor oversized (read: just right) adorned with graphic colour blocked patterns  in subtly contrasting textures. Asymmetrically cascading ruffles on otherwise pared back surfaces were so immaculate they could have been carved out of marble, the perfect canvas for riotous explosions of eye watering bright shades. This was one of those collections that was all at once innovative, original, wildly covetable and yet totally wearable with chicly tailored separates a’ plenty. I’ve long been a huge Roksanda Ilincic fan and her standout SS15 offerings proved, if any proof were needed, that she’s one of the most talented around and there are no limits to the potential of her label.

If anything could distract from the fact that I felt like I was about to shrivel up and die at any second (not being melodramatic or anything) it was a show like Roksanda’s. Luckily for me I had another incredible one up next, none other than Erdem. This was my first time attending his show and as a long term devotee of Erdem’s designs I was mega excited. Unfortunately taking the tube proved tricky when I feared that I might faint at any second and after spending forever attempting to find a cab I found myself running very late, yet again and found myself rushing in seconds before the show began.

Erdem SS15

Once again I was transported out of my slightly sweaty, extremely shaky and all round unpleasant state into a catwalk watching reveries as Morigalioglu’s ethereal beauties glided down a runway framed by evergreen foliage. As the setting suggested, this season Erdem had drawn on a series of outdoor inspirations ranging from Katherine Hepburn in The African Queen to Victorian biologist and botanical artist, Marianne North. The results were magnificent; sheer gowns richly embroidered with untamed leaves, strict yet soft columnular dresses concocted from exquisitely delicate crochet and rich brocades styled with snaking Nicholas Kirkwood sandals and austere centre parted hair. This was without a doubt one of the most beautiful collections I’ve ever been lucky enough to see and my jaw hit the floor as we were treated to pieces crafted from feathers in shimmering shades of emerald and azure, summoning visions of exotic jungle birds soaring above the tropical trees.

I left the venue day dreaming of wearing one of Erdem’s incredible creations and set out in the direction of Michael Van Der Ham’s show. Maddeningly, my body decided not to play ball and I started feeling so damn dizzy I had to spend the next hour sitting in Starbucks trying very hard not to throw up. I cursed my younger self for faking illness so often to get out of school, this had to be some sort of karmic retribution! Eventually I felt a bit less grim and, feeling pretty sad about missing Michael’s show, made a wobbly journey to Kensington for Burberry. Ask any LFW attendee about their highlights and you can bet they’ll mention Burberry. The show is always such an uplifting, spectacular event with A listers and editors jetting in from all over the world, the hottest models on the catwalk and a musical talented serenading them live as they strut. After navigating the vast crowds flocking around Kensington Gardens and making my way into the venue, I took my seat surrounding by blogger friends and began to get excited for the show to begin. As I was sitting in my seat frantically attempting to simultaneously answer emails, Instagram and write a show review I glanced to my right and saw Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne in matching black suits, the Burberry dream team. Once the manically snapping photographers had been forced off the catwalk the melodious tones of James Bay struck up and Malaika Firth strode out in a pencil skirt crafted from opalescent circles, a tailored denim jacket and ice white trainers. This set the tone for a playful, young and fresh collection themed around “The Birds and the Bees”.

Burberry SS15

The collection was a delicious high low mash up with glamourous tiered chiffon dresses and glimmering pailette sequines paired with cropped denim style jackets in bright suede, patterned clutches and flat sandals while candy coloured fur and pastel PVC collars added a cheeky twist. Of course the trench coat made an appearance but only just. This season’s version came cropped in chocolate suede and belted with chiffon, deconstructed in printed linen and in indigo denim with colour popping patent pockets. I always love how Christopher Bailey moves on his aesthetic to reflect a new and crystal clear set of inspirations each season and SS15’s collection was certainly a departure from autumn’s romantic Bloomsbury girls. A finale of trenches adorned with scrawled writing led by Suki Waterhouse had everyone clapping, another stella performance from the beloved British brand.

Rousing though the Burberry show undeniably was, by this point I was starting to feel so deathly that my only option was to get myself home. I was devastated to miss the Issa, Peter Pilotto and Giles Deacon shows but I did manage to pop into the Mulberry presentation (their HQ is conveniently located 15 minutes from my flat) en route. I have to say, SS15 is one of my favourite ever Mulberry collections and I left with a wish list a mile long!

Love Ella. X