The recession had affected most of the fashion weeks, but the effects stood out the most in London. Compared to Paris, Milan and New York, London is much less high profile, not about big names, and more about creativity and expression. This season lacked the inspiration and excitement that is usually palpable in London. Usually directional and avant-garde, this season London was predictable and (gasp!) slightly boring. A fashion week which often breeds trends seasons before the rest was safe to say the least. Here are the Top 5 London fashion shows:

Christopher Kane

This season saw a slight departure from the usual for Christopher Kane, as he included tailored suiting into his repertoire. His playfulness with sheer fabrics stood out, as well as his mix of feminine scalloped organza styled with cashmere menswear inspired sweaters. Kane’s best known for his dresses and this season saw them masterfully crafted with cascading ribbon, scalloping and blocked fabric.

Danielle Scutt

This Central Saint Martins graduate has come a long way from her previous seasons. The collection, consisting of mostly red, black and white had a beautiful sophistication to it with a luxurious edge. The rooster inspired black and red suiting is an instant must have. This young designer is quickly becoming one to watch!

Erdem

The fall season saw Erdem’s departure from the romantic notes of Spring. As always, prints are his strongpoint and the fall version was bright and bold. The prints teamed up with gorgeous silhouettes were a match made in heaven. Each season, the designer has grown stronger and Erdem himself is an absolute pleasure. In the coming seasons it will be interesting to see if he will follow in some of his predecessors footsteps and graduate to either Paris or New York to play with the big boys!

Josh Goot

Known for his minimalist yet futuristic approach, Josh Goot did not disappoint his fans for fall. The collection was effortlessly sophisticated and his uber fans have already been spotted wearing the two toned ankle boots at Paris fashion week just a week after showing in London. The geometric blocking coupled with smooth tailoring was the perfect combination for the Josh Goot woman.

Peter Pilotto

Peter Pilotto has quickly risen to a favourite among the London fash pack. His vision of a futuristic kaleidoscope was the perfect mixture of wearable, yet directional design. The beautiful prints and textures made the Pilotto show one of the strongest of the week. Pilotto has been, for the most part, sold in smaller boutiques with an understanding of the designers that are not exactly a household name, however, it will be curious to see where Pilotto ends up in the coming seasons.

Alexandra is a London based Buyer/Consultant working with various luxury concept stores all over the world. She worked in the buying offices of Holt Renfrew Canada and Bergdorf Goodman early on in her career. Alexandra covers fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan, Paris and India.

Image source: style.com