Number 6 - Sit front row at London Fashion week

So those of you who know me will know that I LOVE fashion, I admit I’m a self confessed fashion addict. And I’ve always dreamt of ‘one day’, sitting front row at London Fashion week.

So for the showcase of the AW18/19 season collections this year, I did just that!

Granted, this wasn’t the year I was blessed to witness Christopher Baileys last Burberry collection, a celebration of diversity and the launch of the rainbow into the iconic Burberry check, but I was lucky to witness an equally inspiring and captivating show that embraced diversity in all its forms.

Pre show - ‘Getting Papped’

Fashions Finest is an organisation which provides a platform for emerging designers, many of whom are tipped to be the next big thing, and who may not have the budgets to host their own shows, the chance to showcase their collections during fashion week.

Designers from all ages and backgrounds were part of the show and the catwalk was embraced by diversity. Peter Twiss opened this years show with a showcase of floaty fabric dresses with abstract prints in shades of blue, modelled by the inspiring Samanta Bullok

Insta @samabullok

The inspiring Samanta Bullok opening the show in Peter Twiss collection 

Afton Mckeiths collection was all about being empowered, a showcase of slogan t-shirts with bold quotes including, ‘badass’, ‘no means no’, and ‘not the opinion of others’, modelled by the designers mum and none other than TV presenter Gillian Mckeith, showing that a mature woman can still be represented on the runway, rocking glitter platform heels and a ripped tee.

Gillian Mckeith proves you can be any age to embrace fashion

My favourite collection of the day had to be that of Niki Moyo, which had everything I love about clothes, tailoring, fabric detailing, metallics, embellishment details in bold bright colours, a definite trend for AW18 as seen at the Mulberry show.

Can you spot me on the FROW?

After the shows, the evening was dedicated to the Britain’s top designer awards. A showcase of 9 designers tipped to be the next big thing, all of whom competing for the coveted prize. 

Milanda’s collection of hand knitted dresses

Caroline Perinos abstract prints and Swarovski encrusted dresses

The winner of this years competition described by the judges as the next Alexander McQueen, was designer Vaseghia. Her bold, show stopping designs made from hot melted glue! stole the show. Albeit not your usual ready to wear styles, the designers collection was ingenuitive, brave, creative and mind-boggling. 

www.vaseghia.com

Alicia Vaseghia winner of 2018 Britain’s top designer award

Over the years and with rise of digital technology it’s been amazing to see the fashion industry explode into our palms. Live streaming via social media and real time media reviews, make fashion week accessible to all, making you feel part of the excitement and action. But there’s nothing like being there to experience it first hand. 

Granted my dreams of sitting front row at the Burberry show are still unfulfilled, but what I loved about the Fashions Finest showcase was the immense-amount of pride, with it being the first showcase for many of the designers, to the diversity of models who graced the runway, and friends and family there to support in the audience. Being there to see just how much it meant to them all was amazing. 

I definitely felt like I was in good company, we were all there ticking off another one off the list! and fulfilling the first step of a journey. 

One thing I’ve realised so far this 35th year, is that everyone has to start somewhere, that good things take time, and if you’re willing to persevere and to put in the hard work you will achieve your desired goals. 

It felt amazing to witness and support the talents of these designers who clearly have a huge passion for their work. 

Fashions Finest AW18/19 Show schedule Sunday 18th February 

Peter Twiss

Revival London

Times Weber

Niki moyo

Tahra Nikeita

Joy Scott London