"It seems innovation has taken a back seat this year" - Mr. Darkwah

"Style is an individual affair. Nothing to do with trends and what's going on in the fashion world. When a person wakes up and decides to wear something that is completely them - something that comes from their very essence and doesn't care what anyone thinks. THAT is style.

When it is recognised, publicised and capitalised by others - that is when it becomes fashion. Be stylish - NOT fashionable." - Mr. Darkwah

I recall a time when I used to look forward to my birthday and Christmas more than anything in the world, when all the excitement would ball up in my throat and on the day, would fly out of my mouth in what would be a tremendous scream of joy! That excitement ended when I was 17 and my new "Christmas" and "Birthday" London Fashion Weeks S/S and A/W took place of those. This year, though, I seem to be turning 17 again and my excitement is dwindling. 

I understand that fashion is cyclical but style - the thing that precedes fashion, the thing that creates the trend that becomes fashion is everlasting so why do I feel that style and innovation has gone amiss? You all know that I love Gucci's A/W collections what with the sleek lines and perfect fusion of energies both masculine and feminine but as much as I love it, I cannot convince myself that there was any innovation whatsoever in the collection. Look at TV programmes of the 80's such as 'Dynasty', 'Dallas' and even at costumes of Blanche in 'Golden Girls' and you'll see where Gucci got their inspiration for their womenswear. 

Gucci looks to the 80's for inspiration for their A/W collection

I look at Prada's A/W collection for women and I see hints of the 60's in the loud colours and short dresses yet the loose shape of the dress which allows it to fall over the body of the woman harks back to the 20's and the flapper movement in fashion. I cannot say that I am surprised at this. I suppose fashion, like the economy has adopted a boom and bust cycle. With trends flying out of every corner of the industry and the need to make everything over-the-top and (some things, in my opinion) unwearable, it's no wonder that this has happened. 

Prada seems to mix the 20's and 60's for their A/W collection

I can only hope London Fashion Week rekindles my child-like joy and revives me. Until then, I suppose we will flounder in the vacuum between personal style and trend.

Ciao Belissimi!

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