LFW Designers: CW Shops
Fashion week returns to the capital in September, so what better time to get to know some of London's best and brightest
Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Elise Ruffled Polka-dot Print Satin Blouse, £745
A statement blouse is a modern-day must and will be one of the heroes of your wardrobe. Wear with tailored trousers or an A-line midi skirt for the office, or tucked into high-waisted boyfriend jeans for a more casual look. The antique gold shade is nearly universally-flattering.
Margaret Howell Single-breasted Windowpane-check Wool Jacket, £775
While London is known for its young, avant-garde designers, fashion industry insiders keep a special place in their heart for the refined elegance of Margaret Howell, who is known for her distinctly British sensibility, workwear and tailoring. Buy this classic jacket now and it will still be loved for decades to come.
Victoria Beckham Cashmere Blend Turtle Neck Sweater, £690
Think pink this season, as the feminine hue continues to dominate. In the cooler months pink works best on the top half, so who could resist this soft roll-neck (another big trend) sweater in the shade of the moment?
JW Anderson Paneled Bouclé Jacket, £860
JW Anderson may be one of the most experimental and creative designers on the London Fashion Week schedule, but he's also responsible for some eminently wearable clothing. This boucle jacket is a case in point - distinctive enough to justify a designer price tag yet not so much so that it will soon date. Plus it's the perfect weight for mid-season dressing.
Molly Goddard Penny Smocked Organza Top, £680
The designer of that Villanelle dress might be best known for her frocks, but you're likely to get more wear out of one of her equally excellent smock tops. Like this baby-pink number which is perfect as-is for the last warm days of summer, but will also look great over a fine gauge polo-neck come the cooler months.
Anya Hindmarch Leopard Print Small Postbox Bag, £1,295
Leopard print is a classic that returns season after season so it makes sense to invest in elegant flourishes of this full-on print. Anya Hindmarch has the playful yet grown-up handbag market covered, and this ladylike style ticks off another key accessories trend with its top handle. A truly timeless buy.
Marques'Almeida Lace-up Patent Leather Boots, £595
Design duo Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida may have launched onto the scene with raw-edged denim and linen but their style has grown up without losing its rebellious spirit. Subversive yet prim, these Victoriana ankle boots are a case in point, and tick off a big trend in footwear this season.
Hair by Sam McKnight Lazy Girl Dry Shampoo, £19
What did we do before dry shampoo? Our locks must have been limp, our scalps distressed, our up-dos deflated. A bathroom cabinet essential then from the legendary tress-teaser responsible for some of the most directional hair-dos at LFW season after season.
Christopher Kane Gathered Leather Skirt, £1,495
When it comes to inspiration, trust Christopher Kane to mine something truly original: from Boris Karloff as Frankenstein's Monster to the stickers on his council flat bedroom wall to this season's 'looners', yes that's people with a balloon fetish. It takes a mighty talent to turn such a starting point into items that blend a heavy hit of sex-appeal, cutting-edge style and a sense of classicism.
Erdem Drop Gems Earrings, £224
A big hit on the red carpet and increasingly audacious in his pure romanticism, Erdem has special occasion dressing sewn up. But for a more everyday option we love these cut-glass and brass earrings: the perfect blend of statement and subtlety thanks to the clever colour palette.
Roksanda Keeva Silk Gathered Dress, £1,399
Simple yet sculptural, this dress drapes and glides like molten metal while the gathered detailing emphasizes the waist. Roksanda is a designer known for her beautiful command of colour, and this bronze and blue creation is no exception. A modern masterpiece.
Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Elson, £35
The 'mother' of all make-up artists, Pat McGrath is legendary and so is her eponymous line of cosmetics. Pigment-rich, flexible and non-drying, this is everything you've been looking for in a matte lipstick in some seriously slick packaging. You can't go wrong with a rich berry shade for winter and Elson is as captivating as the model it was named for.
Rixo Caramel Ombre Leopard Dress, £275
It's hard not to love what Rixo does: affordably-priced pieces that will do wonders for your wardrobe and wear well at weddings, work and weekends. This leopard print midi-dress is a case in point, with the right styling and accessories it can be worn all year round, in the office, off-duty and into the evening.
Rejina Pyo Astrid Patchwork Denim Skirt, £375
A luxurious take on patchwork runs through Rejina Pyo's assured autumn/winter 19 collection, with playful mixes of lightweight, shimmering organza and heavier wool and cotton. This double denim skirt is a flattering take on the classic, with Pyo's signature button detailing.
Burberry Chunky Platform Ankle Boots, £642
Lug-soled boots are perhaps the most formidable of the footwear trends this autumn, and its no surprise that Burberry - veritably dripping with swagger since Riccardo Tisci took the helm - was one of the key proponents. The chunkiness of this Chelsea boot style may take some getting used to, but will provide a welcome hit of volume to compete with the fulsome silhouettes of the season.
MAC Prep + Prime Fix + Mattifying Mist, £21
MAC may not be an official sponsor of LFW but its artists design the looks for the majority of the shows. Which means backstage is the place to be to see products used to their full potential. Like this light mattifying spray which can be used before your foundation to keep oily skin under control, even under the glare of the catwalk.
Simone Rocha Victorian Bead Earrings, £210
Some of the best-dressed ears in fashion are adorned with Simone Rocha's beaded creations. These ornate designs delicately taper and tier, echoing Rocha's voluminous dresses, but they'd look just as elegant with a simple white shirt as layers of taffeta, tulle or lace.
