September 2007

The time's arrived to get the glad rags on and cast your eyes on the nations capital. September 15th heralds the start of the 2nd of London's Bi–Annual Fashion Weeks. The best of the best get the chance to showcase their new ranges for the upcoming 2008 spring/summer season, it's a chance to discover what all the best dressed will be wearing next year. The event has become increasingly popular and influential, with British designers becoming more and more successful. When the curtain raises on the event designers, fashion writers, photographers, celebrities and the leading lights of the high street fashion stores descend on a huge marquee set up in the shadow of the Natural History Museum.

So what relevance does a week of size 0 models parading clothes worth ridiculous amounts of money have on the 'normal' man or woman on the street? Actually quite a lot. The designers of the world are the people who decide the trends and styles that we'll all eventually be wearing. The clothes shown on the catwalk shows may often seem extreme and in some cases just plain ridiculous but these shows are exactly that; shows. They are entertainment and are used to illustrate the flare and innovation of the designer. What translates to the high street are the trends seen on the catwalk. The colours, patterns, cuts, or types of clothes are what you have to take notice of. What the designers choose to concentrate on will trickle down in to the design houses of the high street and their spring/summer collections will be testament to that.

One such store is Top Shop, they have been involved in London Fashion Week for over 10 years now and they sponsor the 'New Generation' scheme. This is for new and upcoming designers to get their chance to show what they've got to offer the fashion world. This scheme has previously launched the careers of some successful British Designers such as Matthew Williamson and Julien MacDonald ? both of whom have collections on show at the event. Another famous Brit showing her wares is Stella McCartney, she has collaborated with Adidas and will close the event on Thursday, September 20th. "Adidas by Stella McCartney," was first introduced in Spring/Summer 2005 and has since successfully grown to include several sports categories including running, gym, yoga, tennis, swimming, and most recently dance for the Autumn/Winter 2007 collection. People are keen to see what's going to be big for next year.

Keep your eyes peeled on www.londonfashionweek.co.uk for all the latest news.