Sophisticated Cool at LFW: Acne, Burberry, Paul Smith and Topshop

Few cities do cool as well as London, which is why brands like Acne, Burberry, Paul Smith and Topshop thrived during LFW by showcasing collections that It girls everywhere will be after.  Acne experimented with the broad shoulder trend that swept through NYFW like wild fire, and Burberry kept it girly with ruffles and statement bow belts.  Paul Smith designed for the young hip working woman, and Topshop went less literal than usual.  Topshop branched from modern Cleopatra to street style chic with awesome boots and wearable, season-defying pieces that a girl can keep in her closet and not discard once a new trend comes around.

Acne

 

Pretty Ugly at Topshop Unique

Topshop Unique sent down some interesting looking models in London this week.

The eyebrows were thick and wild, the hair was frizzy and wild, the whole show was wild.

The models reminded me of a cross between centaurs and wood nymphs. Their faces looked half-human and half-animal. It took a few looks but then I realized this is what fashion should do, it should surprise you, and I decided I was surprised in a good way.

Once I got my eyes off the pretty ugly faces of the models, I focused on the clothes, which I loved.

Looking at the photos from the show, I felt like I had stepped through the closet and into a fashionable and less snowy version of Narnia, where the centaurs wear well-tailored jackets and cable knit socks.

(photos from nymag.com)