The Top 3 Trends of London Fashion Week Spring 2019
In between the edgy streetwear of New York and the old-school rules of Paris, London Fashion Week is a breath of fresh air. The city doesn’t take itself–or its style–too seriously, which makes sense: London is both the home of military trench coats and safety-pinned plaid. For Spring 2019, London fashion designers took these inherent contradictions to heart. We saw classic countryside florals (Ashley Williams) alongside gothic patent leather (Gareth Pugh), making it clear that the style of the season is equal parts prim-and-proper and punk rock.
In the spirit of British rebellion, why wait until Spring 2019 to bring these trends into your wardrobe? We say start now. Here’s how.
1. Vintage-Inspired
Vintage inspiration abounded on the runways of London Fashion Week, with nods to nearly every era imaginable. Some favorites were Simone Rocha’s take on the 1950’s patent leather handbag–hers included a top handle, gold hardware, and a matching coin purse–and Duro Olowu’s update of the 1970’s tapestry bag–complete with mismatched patterns and wooden handles.
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2. A Fresh Twist
One of London’s specialties is taking a popular trend and giving it a subversive spin. We saw that at Erdem, where rock-and-roll fringe was fashioned onto small change purses, which were worn as necklaces or crossbody bags. Victoria Beckham and Mary Katranzou both reinvented the classic clutch–Beckham by supersizing it, and Katranzou by executing the style in clear plastic.
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3. Classically Cool
Of course, it wouldn’t be London Fashion Week without some tried-and-true classics fit for the royal family. Burberry showed neutral totes to add elegance to everyday outfits, as well as surprisingly wearable leather belt bags. Emilia Wickstead kept things sharp with small, square purses that we can picture making their way into Meghan Markle’s collection. Finally, Alexa Chung gave the classic canvas tote bag a much-needed makeover.
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