McQ stuns at LFW

Alexander McQueen’s first ever McQ catwalk wowed with its high fashion look at London Fashion Week yesterday.

Creative director Sarah Burton showcased a theatrical and quintessentially British collection which showed that the luxe label’s diffusion line can compete with the most haute couture collections on offer.

McQ chose to debut their first ever catwalk show on home turf, and Burton described the thrill of the runway. "It feels great to be here" she is quoted as saying by British newspaper The Guardian.

Model Kristen McMenamy opened the pretty leaf-strewn catwalk wearing a floor-length tulle white gown, accessorised with white leather gloves and a white belt that clinched in at the waist.

From there on in, the label’s Fall/Winter 12 line showed the best of British style with models gracing the catwalk dressed in belted jackets which made for a strong aesthetic. The long coats were in an understated colour palette of khaki greens and black, and were teamed with leather lace-up stiletto boots to add to the dramatic look. The jackets featured big pockets and structured detailing which also gave a military-style aesthetic.

Red and brown and black tulle dresses also featured on the runway, which gave a touch of girly femininity to the otherwise overall masculine-style look. The dresses were clinched in at the waist with chunky black belts, while colourful floral embellishments adorned some of the more elaborate designed minidresses.

Tartan frocks with sheer sleeves also featured on the runway.

The autumnal leaves scattered on the catwalk made for a thrilling seasonal display.

In a statement McQ said the collection encompassed "a love story, a love of McQueen and a love of great British style”.

Burberry Prorsum’s collection also showed at London Fashion Week yesterday. Designer Christopher Bailey blended country and city chic which made for an elegant runway.

“I love the idea of merging worlds — the digital and physical worlds, the country and city,” he was quoted as saying by WWD. “And I like taking familiar elements — the field jacket, the quilted jacket, the trench — and respecting them but making them modern.”

Outerwear played a starring role on the runway. Chic trenchcoats, velvet jackets and shorter bomber jackets were worn by the models.

The colour palette boasted fall hues, including burgundy, green and grey, and many quintessential British fabrics were present, including velvet and plaid wool.

Giles Deacon also showed his latest collection. High-octane glamour was the order of the day, with models gracing the catwalk in a range of looks from tuxedos to fishtail gowns.

Mary Katrantzou, Anya Hindmarch and Roksanda IIincic are all showing their latest Fall/Winter 12 offerings today.