Follow James Gabrillo as he walks you through his top highlights from day three of London Fashion Week.
Most familiar
Isn’t there something so “UAE” about this look from Temperley London? From the smashingly embroidered sundress and light scarf to the straw hat and gladiator sandals, such effortless ease feels right at home.
Best accessory
That pastel belt, tied like a ribbon, took this look to the next chic level at Topshop Unique. The show, inspired by “a beautiful British rebel who’s first past the post at any social engagement”, featured riffs from an English gent’s wardrobe: button-down shirts, blazers and cigarette trousers.
Best look
Our favourite from the entire day was this print-on-print look from Preen by Thornton Bregazzi. That covetable overcoat – pretty and punk – would look good whether thrown over a dress or a tee-and-jeans combo.
Most fun show
Launching her accessories label Hill & Friends, Mulberry’s Emma Hill organised a breakfast event at Claridge’s. Guests snacked on biscuits, eggs and strawberry milkshakes, as male models in bellboy outfits showcased Hill’s leather bags. As if the room needed more uplifting, two Shetland ponies closed the show.
Best dressed
The best thing on Paul Smith’s runway? The clothes the 69-year-old designer wore: a blue check suit – most certainly designed by himself – with a crisp white shirt, stylish specs, a black belt and a pair of tattered trainers. It’s effortless dressing from the industry’s foremost tastemaker, a look that evoked his enduring creative spirit of combining traditional tailoring with a contemporary aesthetic
Most diverse
At Vivienne Westwood Red Label, 21 of the 47 looks sent down the runway were worn by non-white models – quite a feat for the global fashion label. We hope Westwood, deemed a symbol of the British avant-garde, will influence her fellow designers in the coming seasons.
Best hair
Dishevelled hairdos kept cropping up on this season’s runways, so it was refreshing to attend the David Koma show, which took a break from haphazard knots and carefree waves. The Georgian designer opted for a clean, high-gloss look – gelled and simply styled to the side – to complement his dresses, whose ruffle and tulle details were inspired by contemporary dance.
Best backstage quote
“Nobody fainted?” asked Scottish designer Jonathan Saunders after his outdoor show on a hot afternoon in King’s Cross. Attendees were spotted frantically fanning themselves with show invites.
• For more on London Fashion Week, visit our All Dressed Up blog