London Fashion Week: The top 5 Fall 2016 trends fresh off the runway

Date February 24, 2016

mary katrantzou fall 2016 — Photography by Peter Stigter

London Fashion Week has wrapped for another season, and while the mood here was just as uncertain as it was in New York, given the continuing “see now, buy now” debate, there was no shortage of fantasy and frippery on the runways. An underlying feeling of uneasiness was relieved, if only temporarily, by standout looks and themes—from the moody florals and previous-century references to midi skirts and flashes of Lurex.

Here are the top 5 trends that shone through the Fall 2016 London Fashion Week shows.

1/5

erdem fall 2016

A step back in time

A Marie Antoinette vibe pervaded the runway at Roksanda, while frilled, fluted and balloon sleeves and all-buttoned-up Victorian collars were seen at Temperley London, Erdem and Holly Fulton. The richest fabrics of yesteryear—think velvet, jacquard and brocade—also showed their face at Topshop Unique.

Erdem Fall 2016

2/5

burberry fall 2016

Florals…for winter

Dark, wintry florals are by no means unique during the fall collections, but this season’s ran the gamut from pretty, sweet and bright at Victoria, Victoria Beckham and jewel-toned and sequined (on a beautiful blouse with rounded cape shoulders) at Burberry to the watercolour and tea-stained posies at Christopher Kane (head scarves optional).

Burberry Fall 2016

3/5

christopher kane fall 2016

Metallica

It’s no surprise that the homages to Ziggy Stardust continued at London Fashion Week, after a few standout appearances in New York. The models’ faces at Burberry sparkled with glitter and Christopher Bailey showed a mashup of all his favourite glam-rock references, while Lurex and lamé pieces were seen at Ashish, Roksanda, Peter Pilotto and Markus Lupfer.

Christopher Kane Fall 2016

4/5

peter pilotto fall 2016

Midi town

This fall, it seems, in London anyway, that the mini moment will finally give way to a more grown-up, refined skirt length. Dresses and skirts were full, sometimes embroidered, and sometimes pleated at Temperley London, Peter Pilotto, and Erdem, who spoke of actresses such as Bette Davis, Lauren Bacall, and Vivien Leigh – all stars from a more modest time.

Peter Pilotto Fall 2016

5/5

mary katrantzou fall 2016

Ask the experts

The London designers are proving their expertise when it comes to manipulating textiles, mastering embroidery techniques and overall fabric technology. Peter Pilotto showed deft lacework and inventive use of foil, paint and appliqués; Mary Katrantzou continued her reign as the city’s queen of print and embellishment; and masterful tailoring was seen at Paul Smith, Alexander McQueen (where Sarah Burton’s blazers were sharp and exacting but still utterly feminine), Christopher Kane (who employed asymmetrical techniques), and, of course, Joseph, the go-to designer for beautifully made trousers and overcoats.

Mary Katrantzou Fall 2016