Twice a year, as the editors and models head across the waters to the cosmopolitan catwalks of Milan, Somerset House extends the glamour of London Fashion Week for an extra weekend, opening its doors to fashion fans that come from miles around to experience insider knowledge, style tips and of course, some serious shopping. I visited London Fashion Weekend following the LFW SS15 shows, taking the opportunity to introduce my sister to the wonder that is Somerset House and the fash-madness that comes with it.
With an adequately on trend outfit chosen (you never know where those street style snappers are lurking and London Fashion Weekend is prime hunting ground!), we headed to that there London.
Somerset House is a mecca for fashion fans and London Fashion Week attracts an extremely stylish crowd. As soon as we entered it was clear that there would be as just much style action on the cobblestones outside the shops and catwalk, as there would be inside them. Something fantastic about London Fashion Weekend is the mixed crowd it attracts; fledgling fashionistas rub shoulders with stylish Mum’s on Prosecco fuelled girls’ weekends and suave guys with a style sense to rival every girl in there.
We started the day with the a catwalk show styled by THE OUTNET.COM; the perfect way to get to grips with the coming seasons trends such as ‘Jungle Fever’ and ‘Fairy Tale Ending’. Watching the new season outfits coming down the runway inspired an urge to hit the shops and take advantage of the great discounts of the day. London Fashion Weekend bills itself as London’s biggest pop-up and brands such as Amanda Wakeley, French Sole, House of Harlow, Mawi and Pringle of Scotland were showing off their new season wares, many of which carried huge discounts for one weekend only. We duly obliged to take full advantage of the great brands on offer!
After a spot of shopping and a glass of Prosecco to keep us ticking over until lunch, we made our way to the events lounge for the Maybelline New York Masterclass. After treating ourselves to some make up treats it was great to pick up some expert tips on how to make the most of them!
Next up was the main event; the Marchesa Notte catwalk show. As a huge fan of Marchesa, and after dreaming of their stunning SS15 collection since it was shown on the catwalks of London Fashion Week, I couldn’t wait to see what was in store from the designer’s elegant sister line. Our seats on the front row put us right at the forefront of the action; close enough to wonder the giselle-like legs of the models (and their incredible Christian Louboutin So Kate heels) and to see the intricately embellished gowns in all their glory.
With Lulu Guinness goodie bag in hand, we made our way out of Somerset House and into central London for a meal, most of which was spent discussing the miracle that must go into getting legs that long and that toned!
London Fashion Weekend is a fantastic opportunity for the fashionable masses who weren’t quite lucky enough to snag a ticket to the industry specific London Fashion Week, to experience the buzz of Somerset House that industry insiders experience each September and February. For those who long to work in fashion it’s a taste of what’s to come, and if we’re honest who can really refuse an opportunity to gather with friends and shop in one of the most fashionable venues in the world?
By Rebecca Martin
