London Fashion Week day three: An ode to British culture

Anya Hindmarch’s futuristic setting from last season had moved into the land of the Arctic. Her wintry ski setting played host to a fantasy collection full of sugary shearling and cashmere hot pants. Furry hats were paired with shearling-lined sandals and dainty leather heels.

Of course, Hindmarch is first and foremost about accessories. She debuted a new double rucksack style that’ll be a dream come true for any woman trying to outrun the ‘bag lady’ label.

Moving from the Swiss Alps to a school art class. Preen by Thornton Bregazzi (otherwise just known as Preen) gave off a childlike vibe even though the intention was to celebrate “women throughout history and the importance of women who have something to say.”

Works by British poet Carol Ann Duffy and artist Tracey Emin inspired the floral-heavy collection which saw duvet-like coats wrapped around the models as if to protect from the harsh world outside. These looks soon transformed into ruffled shirting and Preen’s signature grungy dresses in yellow gingham and royal purple.

The nineties hit Topshop Unique. And hit it hard. Lily Donaldson opened the show to a soundtrack full of old-school hip hop, wearing an oversized rave slogan sweatshirt. The nostalgia continued throughout with slitted slip dresses worn underneath baggy knits.

A distinctly more vintage feel came from tiny blue leather skirts with the world of hip-hop slowly creeping in via low-rise jeans and cargo pants. Kate Moss’ younger sister Lottie made her Topshop catwalk debut with the FROW consisting of ‘cool’ faces including Sofia Richie. Overall, a completely wearable collection just as Topshop Unique should be.

Mulberry also looked to the past (though nothing like Topshop’s rave period). Creative director Johnny Coca drew on Britain’s heritage, churning out tweed after tweed. Equestrian gear seemed to heavily inspire the designer with the collection swiftly moving into old-fashioned florals.

Bags are what Mulberry is known for so of course, there were a few new styles. A saddlebag called the Amberley – “a new heirloom for tomorrow” according to the brand – appeared along with a quilted version of the best-selling Bayswater.

The day finished with Charlotte Olympia’s glamorous Hollywood premiere. With film noir being the designer’s favourite genre, this season was the perfect time for her to play out her fantasy. Charlotte even starred in the short film titled An Accessory to Murder which played out at the Curzon Mayfair.

The collection itself was showcased in the lobby with lines from infamous films emblazoned across pumps. Lace-up heels straight from the 1940s appeared in the most sumptuous of reds with a smoking woman clutch taking home the best new accessory trophy.

Live from London Fashion Week AW17: All the catwalk and FROW action

Every superlative street style photo from London Fashion Week AW17