If attending London Fashion Week has taught me just one thing, it’s that literally anything goes in the world of fashion. This year, designers showcased such a wide variety of colours, cuts and hemlines, inspired by every era and every continent. Designers like Emilia Wickstead embraced femininity with floaty florals and pastel shades, citing ‘charming moments from harmonious summers’ and garden parties as inspiration. Swedish brand Acne, on the other hand, showcased loose, masculine items in white, black and block yellow. Ashish, whose famous fans include Katy Perry and Marina Diamandis, toughened up Van Gogh-esque sunflowers and sequins with heavy duty boots whereas Corrie Nielson borrowed from Japanese origami and Victorian literature to create structural yet dream-like pieces. No two catwalk shows were the same, proving that spring/summer 2012 will be all about individuality.

The Exhibition featured more jewellery and accessories than the catwalk shows, and it was clear that everything that glitters is gold! From the delicate interlocking heart rings at Jordan Askill to the fairytale necklaces at N2, gold and gold plated jewellery reigned supreme. 

 Layering was still a very prominent trend. Designers showed delicate bracelets that lent themselves to stacking - much like the ever-popular sterling silver and silk ‘friendship bracelets’ at London Zu  - and necklaces that could be worn as a statement piece or in combination with others. Designers like Cabinet bought along delicate gold chains with edgy pendants that worked alone or worn together, and even silk and gem stone studded collar necklaces to accessorise a plain dress or top!

The vibe of the whole event at Somerset House really embodied the spring/summer 2012 look - everyone was welcome, everyone looked unique and everyone was really enjoying fashion. It really proved that, in London of all places, it doesn’t matter how much you spend or how much you know about fashion, anyone can look fashionable every day. 

Sara Neal