Burberry Prorsum SS13

As I headed to London I was unaware of what I would see would it be a bold print a la Mary Katrantzou, a lilac sensation such as Temperly?

I was unaware, however I did know one thing I expected.

A new reveal of the SS13 Burberry trench coat.

With high expectations I headed to Kensington Gardens.

The host of a beautiful marquee for the Burberry Prorsum SS13 lfw show.

The back of the runway was filled with a pretty London city skyline (complete with Burberry stores) fitting in with the popup invites it was only fitting that the back of the catwalk was the same, however with a moving clock.

A smart ivory carpet hosted the walkway into the show with the compulsory separate walkway for the rich and famous.

When I walked in Jo Elvin was sat on the front row, looking fabulous I might add. I have to begrudgingly admit, I was genuinely star struck, so being super cool I awkwardly smiled and tottered off!

The show seemed to be all about the rich and famous taking centre stage with the beautiful Dita Von Teese, Harry Styles, Andy Murray and his girlfriend Kim Sears, Samantha Cameron and the queen of fashion Anna Wintour herself. 

Back to the fashion though, Christopher Bailey stand and take a bow. The rich choice of colours were fueled by textures and volume. Everything was sophisticated, simple and slightly sexy.

Yes you heard me, sexy!

The bum cheeks were out!

With short shorts shocking the viewers.

(Before everyone reaches for the hotpants remember classy is the only way to wear these bad boys)

The sumptuous fabrics created strong looks with it centering the waist. Clinching in the waist with a corset or a tying the trench with a belt to create a lady like figure. 

The cape is back although in a mini version that falls just below the shoulders for the chld in every woman. Say hello to the capelet!

The trench is still here except in a range of metallic rainbow colours, choose to your mood.

So don't go chucking any metallic out of your wardrobe just yet!

A subtle ombre and sizzling perspex bags are a must have!

Green is the colour of a Burberry SS 13.

It's intriguingly flattering and oddly compelling to see a new colour take the limelight.

('scuse the pun)

As a sea of green took to the runway the palette was vast from emerald greens to a city khaki, a pretty turquoise transcending to the ultimate greenest of greens.

All in one colours created bold and dynamic outfits.

With two tones recreated but with more spice and style.

The colours were rich and stood out amongst the original opening white outfit.

Dazzling hot pinks, deep purples, subtle lilacs, powerful reds,

the stunningly bold burgundy, peacock petrol blue, tangy orange and the proud London gold created an intoxicatingly colourful catwalk.

However natural hues of camel, white, ivory and brown didn't fade into the background.

Burberry has done London and British fashion proud.

Showcasing our diverse and dynamic attitude to colour, fashion and life.

 

[SAMANTHA CAMERON]

 

[VICTORIA PENDLETON AND ALISON MOSSHART]

[ANNA WINTOUR!!]

Note to self:

I have to say I was naively surprised by the amount of Burberry trenches in the audience.

Not in the front row! I myself thought people wouldn't be that obvious would they?!?!

Yes. Yes they would.

A conversation with... Colin McDowell

In the quiet town of Huddersfield, we met a top fashion expert for an enthralling hour. He treated us to a q&a, insistent on being asked questions and not giving a lecture. We were treated to an hour of recollections from his fascinating life full of vivid memories. (You will notice how he may not answer some questions properly a true storyteller and journalist)

If you are not familiar with the incredible mind that is Colin McDowell; here is a refresher:  he founded the infamous Fashion Fringe, he is the senior fashion writer for The Sunday Times and fashion book writer just name to name a few...

Most awe inspiring catwalk show?

‘There are many different ways one can be awe struck big names that send down pure rubbish, when you have a big business behind you it is impossible to fail.

He admitted that he is proud to be Brit with the talent in the fashion shows.

English designers like the late Alexander McQueen, John Galliano (before the drama) they always had a strong personality, there has to be an element of madness in a designer. Sarah Burton is doing a fabulous job at McQueen.

‘American designers are vanilla, fashion has no memory its immature and silly and we forget who’s done what – Marc Jacobs last two shows, McQueen created a twisted carousel catwalk ten years ago and John Galliano used a train. Vivienne Westwood when she first started had fabulous shows. I consider her ‘The earth mother of British fashion.’’

Qualities necessary to make a fashion designer?

‘Mentoring is required with new fashion designers; help with money, dealing with banks, buying fabrics....

This was the reason for Fashion Fringe, one designer a year gains support.

However, geniuses like Vivienne Westwood did not go to Art College, like Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld.

‘Remember to trust yourself and believe in yourself; do not be too arrogant.’ When you see an old person walking across the street like me, help me. We have the power to help your career or not to.

What enticed you into fashion?

Money! When I went to university, no one talked about jobs after. I ended up in the army for seven years and loved it; I then moved to Italy, I always loved Italy. I used to act in budget films in Rome but somehow I was always had no money.

 I always wanted to paint but then realised I had NO talent at all!  Then I started working in fashion and never had a weekend free again. However, whatever you do it has to be in the heart and soul and so I came back to England and became a journalist.’

What material do you enjoy the most?

‘Silk it’s so fabulous! Or wool. When you get into journalism you get given clothes by designers, the fashion world is corrupt and with the ST Style cover comes great power. Now I am wearing, Ralph Lauren and Miuccia Prada.’

Any advice for graduates wanting to break into fashion in London?

‘This is a difficult question; London is the central of fashion. You will find that London journalists are snobby. I started at ST eighteen years ago. My advice is get work at any publications, have an angle, and start a portfolio.

Or fall in love with a boy whose sister works at a top newspaper and get them to give you an internship (or slave labour he says with a twinkle in his eye).’

What is fashion now?

‘Fashion is universal; I find it strange that people go to Tokyo, Shanghai, its everywhere now there is no excitement you can get everything down Kings Rd. I think fashion is dying and will be by the time you will be fifty.’

‘I am doubtful of social media, blogs are becoming boring as numbers are dwindling, and the imperative influence is time. My sign in my car says ‘Only Twits Tweet.’ Social media is instant it’s not edited or cut like a journalistic writing.’

Any thoughts on Lady Gaga?

‘Fabulous! I adore her! Nicola Formichetti does brilliant things with her. He has had his Lady Gaga moment; he has positioned himself in fashion. He is now concentrating on being serious in the industry.’

What do you think the future holds for John Galliano?

I taught him and wrote a book about him. We never knew it was a drink problem we all thought it was drugs. He was a lovely man, but what he did was unacceptable in civilised society. He is 51 and I wonder what label would have the courage to allow him to carry on designing.

Has tailoring become less of a trade?

Tailoring is the base of it all. I get the impression it doesn’t exist anymore in London fashion. Everyone just designs pretty little dresses. The greatest tailor was Alexander McQueen.

I don’t think too highly of London Fashion Week I just don’t think some of them are ready. As Shakespeare said ‘Ripeness is all’ I think you can’t push people too soon.

He gracefully dismisses claps and reaches for his Prada scarf and constantly ringing phone before he leaves to catch his train.  In the lasting words of Colin McDowell –‘If you don't believe in yourself you might as well walk away.’ I genuinely think he is the most honest, funny and interesting person ever...