As the fashion pack move on to Milan, LCF News looks back at the LCF alumni who graced the London Fashion Week AW16 catwalks.
Ryan Lo AW16. Photography: Dan Sims
Friday afternoon saw BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology Womenswear alumnus Ryan Lo present his version of femininity for AW16. He presented his seventh collection on-schedule, to a busy crowd at the BFC show space. This season, his signature ‘more is more’ aesthetic was played out in dresses and knits, and referenced his Chinese heritage in blossom motifs and satin kimono coats.
Ryan Lo AW16. Photography: Dan Sims
There were retro prints on modernised tea dresses and femme fatal Chinese faux fur stoles replete in his playfully saccharine palette of pinks and purples. Dashes of lacquer red and gold were new additions, along with sculptural dresses of ruched tulle. Subtler tones and statement coats had appeal for an older market but still honoured Lo’s bold and playful aesthetic.
In the evening, BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear Charlotte Olympia hosted her first ever catwalk at the Camden Roundhouse, with a spectacular show called The Girl that Fell to Earth. The collection featured over 30 pairs of heels as well as accessories produced in collaboration with Piers Atkinson. The cosmic collection was inspired by science fiction films from the 1940s, which was evident in the heavily embellishment, perspex heels, and nostlagic sci-fi poster prints.
Charlotte Olympia AW16. Image via @charlotte_olympia Instagram
On Saturday morning, Shrimps designer Hannah Weiland who studied Surface Textile Design at LCF (now BA (Hons) Fashion Textiles: Print) presented her coveted Aw16 collection, which featured signature striped faux-fur coats and scarves, complemented by quirky prints and interesting patterns.
In the afternoon, winner of last year’s BFA Menswear and Womenswear Designer of the Year award, BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology Menswear alumnus J.W. Anderson showed an eclectic collection addressing the question: What is modern cocktail wear? It featured everything from simple stripes in bold colours, to elaborately layered, frilled and ruffled garments.
J.W.Anderson AW16. Image via @jw_anderson Instagram
Monday morning saw another BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear alumna, Sophia Webster present an eery and gothic show, with a collection that she said was inspired by her favourite Tim Burton movie, Beetlejuice. It featured flat shoes as well as heels – highlights from the collection include: leather embroidered boots, floral prints, and heels encrusted with stones.
Finally on Tuesday, the last day of LFW, Mercedes-Benz presented Xiao Li – another BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology Womenswear alumna – also made her first appearance on schedule this fashion week. Tuesday’s catwalk show featured Li’s sculptural textile-focused approach to womenswear.
Time was of the essence for Li’s AW16 collection – clocks ticked as models took to the catwalk; giant cloudy white alarm clock props were complimented by bags in similar shapes and numerical necklaces. Burgundy, navy and putty pink fluted trousers and tops, exaggerated scallop edges and surreal stretched knits added to the dream-like state.
Li intends to redefine knitwear, giving it crisp edges and structure, with reference to architectural design.
Glitter – a prevailing theme from the AW16 shows – featured in woven beanies, bucket hats and vests. Chenille sweaters, pullover dresses and arm warmers brought an element of comfort and practicality to the collection. The aesthetic was oversized and modelled by boys and girls, which acknowledged the current interest in unisex within the industry at the moment.
As always we commend and salute all of our LCF alumni who never fail to bring something new and exciting to the world of fashion.
- Read the Runway Recap for the LCFMA16 Womenswear show
- Find out more about MA Fashion Design Technology Womenswear
- Read more about the MA16 season of events
- Find our more about postgraduate courses at London College of Fashion
- Find out about postgraduate open days
- Meet the graduates in our LCF MA16 Graduate Spotlight series
- Read more about LCF MA16 on LCF News
- #LCFMA16 on Twitter and Instagram
LCF Alumni can connect with us in the following ways: