London fashion week has officially kicked off and it’s about time! I excitedly await the European collections every season, as many of my favorite design houses are across the Atlantic. See some of my favorite looks and get some new pattern downloads to match! Pictured above is a fun new collection by Holly Fulton.
Prints are key. Graphics are bold. Colors are strong and bright, like orange, cherry red and bright yellows— apply these colors and prints to a classic pattern and you’ve got a whole new look.
Erdem is to me one of the most intriguing new(ish) designers out there. Each season he designs his own prints (on the computer himself) and I am always in awe of the color palates and freshness of his vision. His A/W show was painted black, royal blue, with hints of acid yellow and red. He took the classic trench and applied his signature print aesthetic accordingly. What a difference changing a fabric can do to a classic design. Get the trench coat pattern here. Pictured right, a model in the actual trench coat pattern.
Mary Katrantzou is like Erdem infused with Balenciaga’s knack for sculpting fabric to look like soft-yet-structured shiny armor. Her silhouettes are futuristic, but she repeats a basic pencil skirt shape in many of these looks. To recreate a more wearable look, try this pencil skirt pattern with peplum (with a surprise bow in the back) in a bold print or floral.
Burberry Prorsum added volume to the sleeves of many full-bodied, brightly painted wool coats. Gathered at the wrist, this coat pattern with gathered cuffs and peter pan collar can get you a similar look.
Paul Smith showed “sexy librarian” type girls dressed in androgynous men’s coats and vests. I loved the polka-dot fabric mixed with a classic men’s coat and vest. To add this look to your wardrobe check out this classic vest pattern.
Burberry Prorsum offer dozens of new takes on classic coats and jackets by pumping up the volume. There were a few wool coats sans collar, and we have a pattern to match— check out this collarless cropped jacket pattern to try this look out yourself— all you’ll need is a chunky scarf.