Strut your stuff

Katie Wright recaps all the top stories from the UK’s fashion capital

As one of the world’s four main fashion capitals, twice a year London plays host to five days of catwalk shows attended by celebrities, fashion editors, retail buyers and other industry insiders, all keen to get a glimpse of what’s in store for next season.

London Fashion Week’s autumn/ winter 2020 edition concludes today – but as usual, the clothes were only half the story.

From backstage to the action on the catwalks and the famous front rows, here’s what went down...

BURBERRY’S TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

Riccardo Tisci said he was inspired by memories of his time as a young designer, for his fourth collection at the helm of Burberry.

The result was a confident showing that married the storied house’s wellknown codes – a beige colour palette, trench coats, check prints – with streetwear staples, bold colours and metallic fabrics.

Deconstructed rugby shirts in bright hues were a highlight, as were the men’s duffle coats – we predict copycat looks will be across the high street next season.

TOMMY HILFIGER’S STAR-STUDDED SHOW

Veteran US designer Tommy Hilfiger staged the most celebrity-filled show of the week on Sunday night to unveil #TommyXLewis, a collaboration with racing driver Lewis Hamilton.

The Formula One driver cast supermodels young and old – including Erin O’Connor, Jodie Kidd, Jourdan Dunn and Alessandra Ambrosio – in the show, and he was joined for his bow at the Tate Modern by Naomi Campbell wearing a neon cagoule from the collection.

ROKSANDA’S FABULOUS FRONT ROW

Aussie A-lister Cate Blanchett graced the front row at Roksanda alongside fellow actors Vanessa Redgrave, Joely Richardson and Zawe Ashton, in one of the coolest front rows of the week.

The leading ladies were treated to a stunning collection in the grand surroundings of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, featuring the designer’s trademark vivid colours in a gorgeous array.

RICHARD QUINN’S FLORAL FANTASY

Richard Quinn has fast become one of the hottest tickets of LFW thanks to his catwalk theatrics, and his Saturdaynight show did not disappoint.

Soundtracked by a classical version of Abba’s Dancing Queen, the collection was awash with Quinn’s signature vivid florals and voluminous shapes.

VICTORIA BECKHAM’S GENTLE REBELLION

Victoria Beckham said she was thinking about breaking the rules for AW20, but hers was a “gentle rebellion” that brought chunkier heels on overthe-knee boots and slightly shorter hemlines on tweed A-line skirts.

London Fashion Week’s look at the forthcoming autumn/winter 2020 was as fascinating as ever.