Fall 2012 London Fashion Week

Fashion Flash

London Fashion Week Shows Us How to Belt It!

Get ready to show off your curves come Fall!

Get ready to show off your curves come Fall! Designers at London Fashion Week including Mulberry, Burberry, and Topshop Unique belted everything from Mongolian fur jackets to dresses, proving that belts will be around in a big way next season. Cinching your waist is a quick way to instantly update your look and add shape to less figure-flattering items in your closet. See our trend report from London Fashion Week in today's Fab Flash! On Allison McNamara: H&M jacket.

Editor's Pick

The Top Fall 2012 Trends From London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week showed some covetable trends to try out come Fall 2012.

London Fashion Week showed some covetable trends to try out come Fall 2012. While brands like Erdem, Mulberry, and Moschino Cheap & Chic showed off their penchant for modern lace, Burberry and Topshop Unique opted for a military influence. Furthermore, we spotted a lot of pink hues, interesting fur detailing, and brilliant digital prints. Want to get the complete lowdown? Click to see our comprehensive roundup of London Fashion Week's top runway trends.

London Fashion Week

Mary Katrantzou Fall 2012

Mary Katrantzou didn't shy away from her signature look; in fact, she turned up the dial on the bold prints she's become known for — the same ones she's crafted for her own Topshop collaboration.
Mary Katrantzou Runway Fall 2012

Mary Katrantzou didn't shy away from her signature look; in fact, she turned up the dial on the bold prints she's become known for — the same ones she's crafted for her own Topshop collaboration. Her Fall '12 collection had no shortage of neoprene color, nor full-bodied patterns crafted in the most sculptural of silhouettes and body-conscious forms. Katrantzou revealed to The New York Times that her way with print is not without purpose: "With print, it is about educating the customer to try it on and see what it does with the silhouette . . . trying to do with print what a black dress would do onto their body. And it works!" If you see the line through her eyes you begin to understand her body-conscious strategy. It's not just about the whimsy of the print; every detail of design works together to highlight the shape of a woman. You see that in color choice, in silhouette, and in the widening or narrowing of her patterns — how it may open up in a cheeky timepiece at the waist, but taper in a tighter pattern at the hip; you can't discount even the smallest details when taking in the collection. But the whole is greater than the sum of its parts — Mary is a master of illusion with a talent for print-making that makes this collection not just playful, but oh so smart.

  • Trends: Brights, print mixing, texture, bold shoulders, structural silhouettes, ruffles, a-line skirts, tulip skirts.
  • Colors: Black, scarlet red, brilliant yellow, blue, green, fuchsia, nude, moss green.
  • Key Piece: The bright blue and green neoprene print combos and the softer dresses with ultra-femme flowy capes and skirts.
  • Accessories: Suede ankle boots in green, black, blue, and red; white and black lace-up heels and bright yellow pumps.
  • Who Would Wear It: The risk-taker with an appetite for emboldened silhouettes, brilliant color, and all-over print; Katrantzou fans like Keira Knightley, Alexa Chung, and Solange Knowles.
Celebrity Style

Lovely in London: A Roundup of the Best Looks from Fashion's Front Row

Celebs are flocking across the pond to take in the shows at London Fashion Week, and while they're taking notes on their Fall '12 must-haves, we've been scoping out their standout front-row attire.

Celebs are flocking across the pond to take in the shows at London Fashion Week, and while they're taking notes on their Fall '12 must-haves, we've been scoping out their standout front-row attire. So far, we've spotted Rosie Huntington-Whiteley sporting a fresh mix of velvety autumnal hues at Burberry, Kate Bosworth looking adorable in Burberry's Fall '12 owl-inspired pieces, and Olivia Palermo rocking an ultracool fur-enhanced varsity jacket at Anya Hindmarch. Want to see more celebs making their rounds at London Fashion Week? Just click the slideshow for additional photos of Victoria Beckham, Elizabeth Olsen, and Michelle Williams.

fashion week

McQ by Alexander McQueen Fall 2012

Tonight's McQ by Alexander McQueen lineup was a breathtaking showcase of stylized beauty and fashion fantasy.

Tonight's McQ by Alexander McQueen lineup was a breathtaking showcase of stylized beauty and fashion fantasy. Considering this was the diffusion line's first-ever showing during London Fashion Week, we'd say the bar has been set pretty high. Immersed in dark tones, rich fabrics, and even richer embellishments (think velvet embroidered onto sheer lace), each nipped-waist dress marched out onto the leaf-ridden runway with just the right amount of retro nostalgia and tough-girl attitude. Standout pieces ranged from the super-structured outerwear and signature tartan plaid dress with sheer lace detailing to the brocade-felt skirts and chunky harness-inspired belts. If the impeccable designs alone weren't enough to move you into a state of awe, then tales of the spectacular finale certainly will. As model Kristen McMenamy took her final turn in an ivory lace gown, all went dark except for a spotlight overhead. From there, gold flecks were showered over her from above, she found a rope hidden beneath the foliage, and she pulled herself to the end of the catwalk where a dark enchanted forest awaited her. I promise, I am not making this up. High drama and poetic undertones aside, this collection was exquisite and featured all the tell-tale tailoring that we've come to revere from McQueen wares. Get the breakdown below.

  • Trends: Tulle ballerina skirts, nipped-waists, embellished lace and velvet, wide belts, long gloves, and super structured outerwear.
  • Colors: Black, crimson red, ivory, military green, and pops of colorful floral applique.
  • Key Piece: The nipped-waist shapes ruled, especially the final ivory lace dress.
  • Accessories: Chunky wide belts, opera-length gloves, fur neck wraps, and lace-up combat-style boots.
  • Who Would Wear It: The girl who loves a strong, yet ultrafeminine silhouette like Jessica Chastain, Rose Byrne, and Zoe Saldana.
fashion week

Christopher Kane Fall 2012

For Fall '12, Christopher Kane brought a decidedly Gothic vibe to the runway, returning to the leather, leopard, and PVC detailing he's used in earlier collections.
Christopher Kane Runway Fall 2012

For Fall '12, Christopher Kane brought a decidedly Gothic vibe to the runway, returning to the leather, leopard, and PVC detailing he's used in earlier collections. Known for combining the futuristic with classic feminine details, Kane showed many looks that could be considered signature — there were knee-length dresses with supersexy cutouts, paisley-print skirts teamed with chunky cable-knit sweaters, and sleek, pinstripe leather trousers that gave a dose of Dick Tracy-cool to an otherwise subversive mix. Get the full breakdown below.

  • Trends: Stripes, leopard, grosgrain prints, cable-knit sweaters, boxy jackets.
  • Colors: Red, black, purple, blue, white.
  • Key Piece: The leather cutout dresses in almost wood-like prints were sexy, yet sophisticated.
  • Accessories: Obi-style belts, chunky heels, simple colorblock clutches.
  • Who Would Wear It: Christopher Kane loyalists like Alexa Chung, Emma Stone, and Chloë Moretz.
fashion week

Erdem Fall 2012

Erdem has had a huge year — multiple celebrities have been spotted in the signature florals and feminine dresses, including Kate Middleton — and the line embodies the ladylike aesthetic that's dominated fashion of late.
Erdem Fall 2012

Erdem has had a huge year — multiple celebrities have been spotted in the signature florals and feminine dresses, including Kate Middleton — and the line embodies the ladylike aesthetic that's dominated fashion of late. For Fall 2012, the collection continues with floral prints, but this time they feel a bit more graphic, and there are some more structured silhouettes that give the collection a slightly '60s vibe. More pictures to come, along with a full review, but for now, check out the florals and lace Erdem will be giving us for Fall.

London Fashion Week

Pringle of Scotland Fall 2012

Alistair Carr showed a range of sophisticated offerings for Pringle of Scotland's Fall collection.
Pringle of Scotland Fall 2012

Alistair Carr showed a range of sophisticated offerings for Pringle of Scotland's Fall collection. Incorporating a rich color palette and plenty of cozy texture, Carr created oversized coats embellished with eye-catching colored collars, knitted dresses, and a smart play on twinsets. The latter, showcased layered sweaters made to look like a sweater and shell combo, but is actually just one piece. Additional highlights included the graphic colorblock slim-fit dresses, soft pastel-hued knits, and tailored two-tone trousers. More details from the classic-cum-cool collection below.

  • Trends: Colorblocking, oversized coats, leather..
  • Colors: Orange, gray, navy, black, tan, white.
  • Key Piece: The knit dresses and bright-collared coats showed gorgeous details and tailoring.
  • Accessories: Buckled boots, platform pumps, printed belts.
  • Who Would Wear It: Girls looking for a refreshing twist on classics like front row attendee Olivia Palermo.
fashion week

Burberry Prorsum Fall 2012

Burberry took a walk on the quirky side for Fall 2012.
Burberry Prorsum Fall 2012

Burberry took a walk on the quirky side for Fall 2012. Stripes, bow-tie belts, owl-print tops, and bomber jackets made an appearance, sometimes layered together for something that was like Christopher Bailey's take on street style. It was a definite departure from past collections that hung purely in the sleek and sophisticated category. This collection felt younger, almost teen-like. Individually, there are covetable pieces, like the cropped bombers and the owl sweaters. Arguably the biggest show of London Fashion Week finished on a sweetly dramatic note: faux snow, which fell from the ceiling, while the models walked underneath with pretty umbrellas.

  • Trends: Cropped jackets, peplum, military.
  • Colors: Mustard, brown, wine, hunter green.
  • Key Piece: Cropped bomber jackets are a must own.
  • Accessories: Oxford heels, doctor bags, cute umbrellas, bow belts.
  • Who Would Wear It: Girls with a quirky approach to ladylike style; think Zooey Deschanel.
London Fashion Week

Topshop Unique Fall 2012

Topshop is one of the most anticipated collections from London Fashion Week, as the trendy retailer with plenty of under $100 options often fills our closets each season.
Topshop Unique Runway Fall 2012

Topshop is one of the most anticipated collections from London Fashion Week, as the trendy retailer with plenty of under $100 options often fills our closets each season. For Fall 2012, expect a cool military vibe via utilitarian details and olive tones, slouchy leather, and the structured balloon sleeve that made a big splash in New York to hit a minidress near you.