At London Fashion Week, it was all about dressing outside the box—from the runways of Simone Rocha to Nensi Dojaka
London Fashion Week is famously known to present collections that are creatively unhinged. Meaning designers go all-out weird, contemporary and unconventional with their designs. You can say that the Brits have that “punk spirit” inside of them even when it comes to fashion!
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This could mainly be because London is home to some of the best fashion schools in the world. There’s Central Saint Martins, which produced designers like Alexander McQueen, Harris Reed and Stella McCartney; there's also London College of Fashion, which taught the likes of Jimmy Choo. So many emerging designers from past seasons have shown at LFW. JW Anderson, Nensi Dojaka, Simone Rocha and Poster Girl are just a few names that have been generating buzz globally for their distinct aesthetic that’s both refreshing and visually innovative.
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That’s why it’s no surprise that the overall vibe for Spring/Summer 2023 at LFW is unbridled creativity and youthfulness. It makes you want to go and revamp your wardrobe and dress outside the norm. The word “safe” or “boring” wasn’t in any designer’s mood board—and thank god for that! But don’t fret, wearability is still at the core of these collections. Still and as it should be, it’s all about confidence and the wearer’s guts to strut these pieces outside the confines of the runway. Though why be shy in an imaginative designer creation? Think of it as wearing art!
Here, we round up all the rules these LFW designers broke and why you should consider breaking them, too, if you want a new perspective when it comes to dressing up.
Do: Wear print from head to toe
An old saying advises that it’ll make you look thicker or wider to wear print from head-to-toe, but since it’s 2022 and we’re all about body positivity, what’s so wrong with wrapping yourself in a quirky print you personally love? Think of it as a form of self-expression that’s unapologetically provocative. A stylish battle cry you can wear from sleeve to ankle! Because wearing print all over isn’t anything short of a bold statement as seen on the runways of KNWLS, Halpern and Harris Reed.
Do: Go braless
If showing your nips isn’t your cup of tea but you’d like to get with the program, then opt for nipple tapes instead! But with these sexy slip dresses from Nensi Dojaka, KNWLS and Fashion East, a bra isn’t an option. It’s time to embrace your natural curves and bare more skin than usual come summer with these strappy, sheer and cutout frocks that will make you feel your sexiest.
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Do: Wear a veil (even though you aren’t getting married)
If you aren’t superstitious, then why not wear a veil out? This might be the most daring headdress trend, albeit the sweetest, too. At Molly Goddard, these veils were short and frilly and barely cover the eyes, but Erdem went all out and put them over tailored tea-length dresses to soften each look and add a touch of whimsy.
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Do: Forget the pants
They say flashing your undies is a big no-no, but if you’re actually wearing a body suit or a bikini bottom, we’d like you to reconsider. Since sheer is a huge trend this coming summer, think about strutting out in a bodysuit under a sheer skirt or pant like that of Molly Goddard and Poster Girl.
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Do: Size up
They say you should always buy outfits that hug your body perfectly, but the oversized trend obviously debunks this. Don’t be scared to size up and wear ‘fits in XXL if it’ll give you that comfy yet cool boxy silhouette as seen on the runways of SS Daley and Simone Rocha.
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Do: Wear clashing colors and prints
When you want to make a bold statement, wearing bright colors is the way to go. But if you want to level it up, be sure to make colors clash like at the Eudon Choi and JW Anderson shows. Just pick opposites in the color wheel, and you’re all set for a head-turning ‘fit!
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Do: Wear mixed media your mom wouldn’t approve of
With Harri’s viral collection of inflatable latex pieces, the London College of Fashion graduate’s innovative pieces pushed the boundaries of what you can consider “wearable.” Then you also have JW Anderson’s dress made out of computer keyboards that’s as undeniably chic as it is quite nerdy—it really makes you think about clothes not being confined to fabric.
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What style rules are you breaking many thanks to London Fashion Week? Add it in the comments below!
Words Maura Rodriguez
Art Matthew Ian Fetalver
