Blogger round-up from the front row with Brand Alley, Feb 2015

Article published here.

As the doors close on another spectacular London Fashion Week, we catch up with our intrepid fashion duo (Dreaming of Chanel’s Andreea and Eileen Cuisine’s Elena) in the FROW, to get the low down on this season’s extravaganza.

From their funniest moments to their fashionista top tips, let’s return to the catwalk with them.

Well that’s LFW over, ladies – did it live up to expectations?
Elena: It was another fantastic whirlwind!  I saw some incredible outfits and have come away feeling so inspired.  For example, it was obvious that sandals are a big trend right now,  all the fashpack were wearing them and as the weather was dreadful we all froze between shows – but hey, it’s LFW and those are the lengths we’re happy to go to!
Andreea: Yes, absolutely! It’s not even spring but there are loads of AW15 trends you can tap into right now. Can’t wait!

What were your highlights?
Elena: Picking out the latest trends. For AW15 we’re seeing Seventies’ inspired looks, minimalist clean lines and earthy shades (dark blues, khaki, reds). Romantic and elegant pastels are still going strong amongst the front-row fashionistas. The catwalks boasted maxi coats, flared trousers, culottes, heavy knits, crochet and geometrical patterns from most designers.
Andreea: I loved Temperley London and Burberry – if you’re going to make a wardrobe investment this AW15, make it a heavily-fringed poncho or an oversized, luxurious patchwork coat.

What was your biggest ‘wow’ moment?
Elena: I was so impressed with Emilia Wickstead’s collection. It was really elegant and sophisticated. The collection was ladylike and demure, with clean lines, inspired by the Fifties’. Think midi dresses, tweed skirt suits and silky lilac flowing dresses – all totally covetable!
Andreea: My biggest wow moment was the Orla Kiely show – a fantastic concept of library chic.  Signature prints were inspired by maths and geometry whilst they walked through a beautifully created library set.

Did you manage to see everything you planned to?
Andreea: Luckily this season I managed to tick off all the shows on my list, which was amazing!
Elena: I packed loads in but didn’t quite tick off my whole list as there is SO much to see and you could easily fill your day just on the streets surrounding the venues! Fortunately, I followed everything online and on Instagram so I don’t feel that I missed out on anything!

What was a typical day like for you?
Elena: On the first day of LFW I bounced out of bed up at 5:30am, picked out my outfit and went to get my hair done, so I could start my day looking good! I rushed over to Somerset House for breakfast so I could soak up the atmosphere with my fellow blogger friends. I met lots of new people too, which I always love. After interviews and quick photoshoots, I spent the morning rushing around my scheduled shows, with a lot of running in between! I felt so fortunate to have tickets and be able to squeeze through the queues. By the afternoon I’d watch new trends unfold as celebrities came and went, dressed in the latest designer lust-haves. I’d spend as much time as I could taking in the buzz and excitement surrounding the shows. That is why I love LFW!
Andreea: Usually it was a wake-up call at 6 or 7am, followed by daily hair appointment. I’d have a quick breakfast at Somerset House and then race around seeing shows/presentations until late. I’d usually get back home around 9pm – just in time for a glass of wine whilst writing new articles on my blog. It’s go, go, go!

Did you bump into anyone who you particularly admire?
Elena: I met some very well-known faces, such as Alexa Chung, Sarah Ashcroft, Victoria from In the Frow, Kimberley Garner and many others.
Andreea: I bumped into Elena Perminova and Miroslava Duma – my absolute favourite fashionistas

So tell us in a few words, what are your favourite key looks for AW15?
Elena & Andreea:

• 70’s hippy (lace-up tops, fringing, tassels and ethnic prints)
• Urban utility (structured jackets, belted waists, pockets aplenty)
• Minimalist look; effortless and chic; you can never go wrong with that.

What new designers would you like to see added to BrandAlley?
Elena: I would love to see Huishan Zhang, Bora Aksu, Paul Costelloe, Emilia Wickstead, Topshop Unique and Holly Fulton.
Andreea: Paul Costelloe and Bora Aksu

QUICK FIRE ROUND

Your favourite outfit was:
Andreea: A fabulously chic, tailored ensemble with utilitarian influences seen on the Jean-Pierre Braganza and 1205 catwalks.
Elena: The red dress from Emilia Wickstead’s show

Favourite show:
Elena: Emilia Wickstead
Andreea: Temperley London

Favourite ‘street style’ outfit:
Elena: I absolutely loved the outfits four celebrities wore at Topshop Unique show.
Andreea: The humble denim is elevated to a high-fashion status – the cropped flare is the shape of things to come and one fashionista rocked MiH jeans like no one else.

Best fashion moment:
Andreea: Bumping into Miroslava Duma while snapping street style at Burberry
Elena: The Bora Aksu finale was the highlight for me.

Finish this sentence: Next LFW I’m going to…
Elena: …Wear a thicker coat!
Andreea: …do it all over again!!