Accessorize This: London Fashion Week Accessories Trends

London Fashion Week: Accessories Trends Tread Lightly

by Denise Grayson

While in London for three out of the five fashion week days I saw an exciting mix of on and off schedule shows and presentations, independent showrooms representing brand new talent, as well as the latest collections of dozens of independent designers featuring in the exhibition - the newest addition to London’s fashion week attractions. Add to the already varied schedule special little treats that popped up here and there such as ‘guest stars’ flown in from New York - these Nicholas Kirkwood shoes for Rodarte with candle drip-effect heels which you have to touch to be convinced they’re actually plastic and not melted wax:

all images courtesy of Denise Grayson unless otherwise indicated

Now that the women’s collections are all wrapped up I can say with certainty that compared with the onslaught of gloves and socks both long and short on the New York runways, London was far more singular when it came to styling autumn’s new looks. And that’s to be expected of a host city that keeps its new blood fresh by transplanting its biggest and hottest in Paris, New York and Milan (though some seem to have a homing device as Matthew Williamson, Jonathan Saunders and Christopher Bailey have proved). In other words, the independents will do their own thing.

However, if there is one show in London to look to for new trends (or at least the preservation of current ones), it’s Burberry Prorsum. Christopher Bailey sent the message that he’s not about to let super thigh-high leather boots fall by the wayside just yet by pairing them with everything from parkas and oversize shearling coats to tailored military-style blazers with nothing else but slinky leggings. Burberry always shows great footwear and it didn’t end at the sexy boots. Statement making buckles were all over short and tall, bulky styles like some kind of chic ski boot:

images courtesy WWD.com

Cute little socks did have a presence at Orla Kiely - but then again, that was already her thing. The Irish print master and accessories queen took a more subtle approach to her signature stem print by embossing the design on patent messenger bags in cream, navy and black:

I believe the shoes are Topshop though I couldn’t confirm it at the presentation

The most stunning collection I saw was from Clements Ribeiro. It was beautifully ornate yet refined, feminine, day and evening wear. It was so much gorgeousness in one room, and then there were those boots! I had the opportunity to speak to the lovely Inacio Ribeiro for a moment and he confirmed that the beautiful sequin embellished boots were of their own design:

And then there were so many eye-catching, diverse accessories in the exhibition that I drained my batteries twice. Here are some of the highlights of what was on show:

Kirsty Ward’s neckpieces and earrings combine beads, chain and ribbon with plumbing parts

J.W. Anderson’s Saint + Assassin collection is about war-time romance

Felder Felder, who also showed their collection on the runway

Wooden handbags from Rocio

LeJu’s vegetable ivory bead accessories

Gwendolyn Carrie’s shoes made of fish skin!

Denise Grayson is our talented Accessories Editor and you can read more about her London Fashion Week adventures over at her blog, The Swelle Life.