London Fashion Week SS15 highlights: Day 1

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London Fashion Week kicked off with two buzzy new names. Faustine Steinmetz showed as part of New Gen with her first presentation, a clever exploration of couture and branding, set in the suitably arty ICA.

I’m so impressed by this young designer, whose obsession for hands-on labour and figuring things out results in mind boggling textile experiments. On display were denim-look jackets of polyester styled out like Shibori (“It’s not Shibori at all! I actually handpainted it, I just like that look,” Steinmetz told me), and a jeans-n-jacket combo made from unravelled layers of upcycled denim creating a tufty fringe effect. “The final results don’t interest me as much as the process,” Steinmetz admitted. “It’s like when you watch those videos of someone like Jean-Paul Gaultier going tchh tchh tchh [imitates frenzied couturier] before the show. That’s the bit I love!” Look closely and Steinmetz’s models had the best jewellery ever – security tags, and kimbal tags realised in sterling silver, a collaboration with jeweller, Niomo.

FAUSTINE STEINMETZ
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Later on, there was an enthusiastic turnout for newbie Hannah Weiland’s Shrimps presentation (top and below), a beautifully styled array of (very real looking) faux fur gilets, jackets, boas and accessories in sunshine yellow and pastel pink. The styling was impeccable, with dainty pearl-like earrings, furry bag charms and fuzzy footwear by Sophia Webster.

SHRIMPS SS15
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I also enjoyed tea and brownies  at The Gentlewoman’s reader event to launch the new issue, plus a proper American-style bash (read: generous budget) for the opening of Club Monaco in Sloane Square. Can you tell the brand is owned by Ralph Lauren…?

TEA WITH THE GENTLEWOMAN
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COCKTAILS WITH CLUB MONACO
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One more highlight: my Vogue.com debut. Read where me and my blog buddies hang out in this fashion week round-up by Lena Casparis…

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