A week ago I had the pleasure of attending the Harvey Nichols A/W12 Fashion Show. My budget doesn’t really extend to shopping sprees at this exclusive Quakers Friars address, except for the occasional Nails Inc manicure, but I was curious to get a closer look at the incredible designers the brand stocks, including Vivienne Westwood, Isabel Marant and Helmut Lang.
Turning up in bright floral trousers with S from Beautiful Plumage in tow, I felt a little out of place amongst a sea of women dressed in black, the only pop of colour being their sky-high neon heels. A couple of glasses of champagne helped us to relax as we waited for the show to begin on the ground floor, surrounded by Cambridge Satchel Company bags, Jo Malone scents and so-pretty-they-almost-make-me-want-one Marc jacobs iPad holders.
We were soon ushered upstairs to take our seats for the show, which took place towards the back of the womenswear department. Womenswear and menswear were both on display in scenes that gave a nod to winter florals, gothic and heritage trends, with gorgeous Barbour biker jackets and vintage capes, below, tickling my fancy.
The pieces from Vivienne Westwood’s Red Label were equally exquisit – I’ve always had a soft spot for her tailoring, and she’s definitely a designer I’d buy into if I could afford it. In this season’s Company High Street Edit magazine writer Lena de Casparis road-tests Westwood’s collection in the ‘real world’ (read: Shoreditch) which is actually worth a read if you’ve always lusted after this label.
Another outfit worth a mention was an incredible laser cut leather biker jacket by Muubaa paired with McQ printed leggings – sadly I didn’t get a good shot of it but you can see the jacket here. While I can’t stretch to the £490 price tag (despite what Jessie J says it actually is about the money) I’m going to keep my eyes peeled for a similar high street version this season.
If money were no object what big brands would you spend your cash on? Or perhaps you invest wisely in designer pieces already? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
this looks like great fun! I love the shoes of the girl in the first picture on the left, purple boottss! i want them!
That’s me in the Pic!! Thanks, the most comfortable boots – my favourite!! They are Clarks; can you believe!!!!
Author
Clarks!? They’re lush – might have to check them out for myself : )
If I had the cash I’d be wearing Miu Miu, Prada, McQ and Marc Jacobs (who wouldn’t?). However I’d love to see some up and coming brands in the large chains – something a bit different.
Great blog. How do you get hold of such tickets?
Author
I’m with you on Miu Miu – their A/W suits and jackets look incredible. I was lucky enough to get invited, though it did leave me wishing my bank balance was 10x larger!
I love the tweed jacket in the first post – *want*
Author
Yes! McQ by Alexander McQueen – yours for a mere £580 : )
FAB pics!
Hope you got a glass of champs too!
XO reversecommuter
Author
Thank you : ) I managed to get a couple of glasses *happy face* x