From the moment I arrived at the first event space today, I was self-conscious about my outfit. There is no one “look” for London Fashion Week, or if there is, it’s eclectic. With seasoned fashion editors, subdued department store buyers, “it” girls, celebs, photographers, PR people, and trendsetters from indie publications all in attendance, how could it not be? I wasn’t happy with my look for the day. I’d chosen my purple Marc Jacobs sweater and a long brown skirt with the frayed seams. Presentable. I added my amethyst ring and earrings. I could be eclectic. But then I put on my brown suede Rocket Dog sneaker/Mary Jane hybrid shoes. After my first two days of Fashion Week in heels, my toes were (and still are) crying out in pain, so in a moment of toe-tenderness, I reached out and grabbed my Rocket Dogs, which I absolutely love, but they are very, very casual. What was I thinking?
Georgina Harley-Smith’s show began in complete darkness (thankfully) with a slow, jazzy cover of “The Season of the Witch.” It was the perfect choice for Harley-Smith’s Autumn/Winter 2008 collection. The first look on the runway was a slinky black hooded dress and the witch-y vibe continued throughout the show. Fabrics were velvet, silk, lace and leather, as well as a sheer black chiffon with velvet polka dots. Naturally, black was the dominant color but moss green and deep plum were also key players. Some of the outfits were a tad dramatic, but all in all, they’re very wearable. I loved the long “sexy in a 1970s kind of way” dresses with the billowy-cuffed sleeves.
I had a little time to kill before my next show, so I weighed my options. Should I grab lunch somewhere? Fashion Week usually doesn’t leave much time for eating—and somehow watching those stick thin models can dampen any appetite! I glanced down at my unfortunate footwear choice and decided that today, fashion trumped food. I hit Clarks, a shoe brand I knew specialized in comfort. Aaaah … relief. My new shoes are moderately chunky, modest two-inch coppery brown heels with a square toe, a diagonal strap over the arch, and a nice cushy insole. Not exactly sizzling hot style, but they weren’t too casual, and that they matched my outfit.
