London Fashion Week: The Best Trends and Sustainable Brands
London fashion week spring/summer 2021 was unlike any other past version of the event. In lieu of the world altering COVID-19 situation and the changing landscapes of technology and culture, some collections were presented in physical format, whilst others were in digital format. During this time of re-set we experience in the world, many brands have taken time to reflect on what is important to them going forward, and many agree, sustainability must be a priority in the fabric of their clothing and company DNA.
INCREASING SUSTAINABILITY IN FASHION
A study conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), surveyed 150 fashion, textile and retail business managers across Europe and the US, and found that 60% of these businesses that prioritize sustainability are based in fashion and retail. Brands around the world are starting to make sustainable manufacturing a non-negotiable aspect of business. London fashion week gave us copious amounts of designers who presented us sustainable pieces without comprising beauty. Here are some of the most notable trends and brands focusing on sustainability from London Fashion Week Spring / Summer 2021.
TRENDS
RIBBONS
Although many fashion week looks have an element of spontaneous additions added to tie an outfit together, we noticed there was a interesting fashioning of ribbons, draped upon and tied into different looks this year. We see different ways to use this accessory in Burberry's flowing shirt ties and Erdem's elegant drapery.
COLORFUL PRINTS
Lots of bright colors for the spring/summer season is no surprise. From Christopher Kane's pieces resembling canvases of Jackson Pollock to Bethany Williams’ prints resembling the vivacity and color of Georgia O'keeffe, designers remind us to have fun with what we wear and keep things interesting...less adult-like and serious. The child who never grew up, or people who are looking to reconnect with their playful and expressive side can unleash it this season.
QUIRKY CUT-OUTS
Many quirky cut-outs allow the spring and summer air to meet the skin in different shapes. From Preens patch-work cut outs to Charlotte Knowles provocative hippy, we see different styles of skin showing embraced for the coming seasons.
OUR FAVORITE SUSTAINABLE TRENDS
BURBERRY
The well known luxury brand's recent commitment to sustainability was showcased in creative director Ricardo Tisci’s vision of a digitally streamed fashion show from a forest just outside of London. Street-wear themed looks came in shades of cooling blue and eye catching orange. Layered fishnets and embellishments create a net-mesh style feel to most of these looks. Adding these sexy net-like layers to our spring and summer wardrobe will be a look that can carry throughout all seasons if layered correctly.
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
Young, rebellious, and East London cool-kid is what Vivienne Westwood’s latest collection appeared as, presented in digital showcase form. Bright prints layered each other with bucket hats and oversized suit jackets, resembling fashion from today with remnants of the 90s punk scene.
ERDEM
An 18th century nymph meets the modern business woman and they all go for a walk in the forest: this is what the Erdem collection shouted stylistically and from Epping Forest, just out of London, where the show took place. An array of soft and feminine layered cotton and silk gowns with floral patterns speckled the collection. With smartly cut jackets and business looking blouses , the collection could be a source of inspiration to the woman who balances boss lady with the ultimate feminine.
PREEN
Ethereal feminine with patch-work cut outs and colored ruffles are what Preen uses to inspire us for LFW. Fabric is light and delicate everywhere except for the ruffles, which have cascading material taking up space throughout the bodice of pieces. From the sophisticated millennial to a style-evolving Gen Z, Preen offers looks for all inner free spirits of spring and summer.
LEARNING FROM LONDON FASHION WEEK S / S 2021
London fashion week Spring/Summer 2021 reminds us that there is still color and beauty to look forward to in the world and within ourselves. We can embrace different parts of our personality from a sophisticated adult, to playful coloring prints of our childhood coloring books. We see that beauty is something which does not have to be sacrificed in the name of sustainability, but can only become more interesting like we see in patch-work pieces and cut outs. The amount of brands in London fashion week that have decided to integrate sustainability into their DNA is only growing by the year, and will continue to inspire behavior around the world and within the industry.
+ Words: Isabella Cammarata, Luxiders Magazine Jr Editor
IG: @bellcamm_
