London's Blooming

London got its first glimpse of spring/summer 2012 last week as London Fashion Week reached its climax. Catwalks were brought to life with feminine florals, bold blues and iridescent metallics breathing a fresh spirit for the new season.

Flower power has taken on refined edge. Alice Temperley, celebrating her 10th year in the industry, showed large magnolia prints on elegant, 1930s shaped gowns in a collection that was more about cut and silhouette than her signature embellishments.

Erdem channelled the English country garden feel with patterns of cornflowers, hydrangeas and poppies. Hedging towards a more grown up glamour, dresses were tailored to closely follow the lines of the body with off-the-shoulder necklines giving glimpses of fresh.

Matthew Williamson meanwhile combined nature with graphic modernity. Drawing on Japanese influences, his lines were clean and simple. In a contemporary twist fresh prints of what appeared to be pretty, oriental blossom were in close up, made up of lots of tiny Tokyo skyscrapers.

And with modernity adding a fresh edge to florals, Christopher Kane set the critics’ hearts on fire with a collection accented with solarised poppy prints and decoupage-effect, flower cut-outs collaged on sheer organza.

Metallics too were abundant, adding a futuristic look to spring/summer 2012. Antonio Beradi added strength to romantic chiffons with patent leather power-shoulder pieces, his pearlescent finishes keeping a look of pure femininity.

Silver and gold embellishments created a watery effect at Christopher Kane, models shimmering like moonlit rivers as they walked. Whilst at Giles Deacon, Swan Lake took to the runway, his ballet inspired theme translating into silver dresses and skirts with laser cut, doily-like patterns.

Blue looks set to be a dominant colour with the coolest shades being the lightest and brightest. Cornflower sits well with the floral theme and dominated the other blue tones. Erdem paired it with heathery blues and contrasted with soft white whilst Richard Nicholl lifted the pastel shade with flashes of aqua. Forget darker tones, it’s the brighter blues shaping the London look in 2012.