LFW SS15 – The Trend Report by Christopher Maul

Design Scene’s Fashion Editor Christopher Maul hit the shows at London Fashion Week to size up the biggest trends for next summer

THE FLOWER POWER
“Florals? For Spring? Ground-breaking.” It’s time Miranda Priestly eats her hat – the floral trend is back for SS15. Orla Kiely thought outside the box this season – decorators painted the set with flowers and models planted sunflowers during a charming presentation. Forget 2015, it’s all about the flower power of the 1970s. If you need help time travelling, look no further than House of Holland – his psychedelic bold prints were a winner. For the demure, Simone Rocha‘s red poppies or Marchessa’s embroidered collection, inspired by Kate Moss at Glastonbury, are your port of call.

THE WHITE QUEEN
If there’s only one colour you need next summer, it’s white. Feathers pushed all-white looks to the next level at Daks, which was practical yet still desirable. The palette was also kept clean at Emilia Wickstead, Daniela Barros and Eudon Choi.

THE SPORTS LUXE
Even if you aren’t a gym bunny, it’s time to pretend. Sports luxe made an impact this SS15. Cut-out asymmetrical lines and tailored shorts added a modern, androgynous kick at David Koma. The sporty vibe stronger elsewhere – white tennis dresses were at Pringle of Scotland [photo above] and waists were nipped in with judo belts at Amanda Wakeley.

THE FLATLINE
You won’t need heels to stand tall this SS15. None were seen at the Burberry Prorsum show – models took to the runway in sandals and sneakers, and looked all the better for it. Margaret Howell kept things boyish with her minimal flats and nerdy sandals were the chausseurs du jour at Antipodium.

THE DARK SIDE
SS15 takes a gothic turn. Mary Katrantzou [photo above] offered a dark and brooding collection with ornate pieces inspired by geology. Erdem also took a page from Mother Nature’s book – oversized floral prints looked stark on black. Christopher Kane was no exception. His sheer maxi dresses were the perfect teaming of sex appeal with gothic chic.

THE SHEER FACTOR
We were charmed by chiffon at London Fashion Week. Bora Aksu nodded towards the barely-there trend with intricate lace work in shades of violet and pale blue. If one thing is clear, it’s time to invest in sheer. Julien MacDonald‘s mermaid dresses were favourites, although Marchessa’s candy floss gown was our highlight – it was pulled straight from a fairytale. Others opted for an edgier approach to this romantic trend – Christopher Bailey wrapped pastel hued tulle around the waists of the Burberry Prorsum girls and at TopShop Unique Cara Delevingne walked in a see-through number, with her modesty covered only by jewels.

Follow our D’SCENE Magazine fashion editor Christopher Maul @styleofmaul.