MY THOUGHTS ON FASHION WEEK

So another London Fashion Week has been and gone, and I for one have to say, that I’m a little sad about it.
You know that I’m not exactly a fan of the ole “Fashun” vibes that come hand in hand with luxury fashion, especially around the time of fashion week. However I must say, I actually found myself enjoying myself this time around.

I decided to do things differently.
I decided to go down with my gorgeous friend Sophie, who is also my incredible photographer; in a pursuit to make things a little more fun, to actually get the content I want from LFW and to know I always had someone there for me, as fashion week can be one of the loneliest places for a blogger sometimes.

In the past I’ve filled my days with shows and presentations, hung out with people that make me feel rubbish about myself and all in all left LFW a shell of the person I was when I arrived.
I did this previously because it’s the only way to do fashion week… Or so we’re told.
The more shows you’re invited too obvz means you’re more of a “thing” and the more people you schmooze with, well, back then I’d have done anything not to be on my own, so there we have it.

But I've learnt a few things from these mishaps and in turn did Fash Week a little differently, which meant I really, truly enjoyed myself for the first time since I entered this big, bad world of fashion. 

Now I’ve got to grips with what it means to be on your own… It isn’t embarrassing nor is it uncool or un-fashun daaaaaarling. Being on your own is fine, it doesn’t mean you’re anything more or anything less than any of the other fast-week goers; heck, I actually value those quiet moments to myself in-between the madness.
So as soon as I learnt to accept that, I began to enjoy fashion week a little more, taking each day in my stride and only worrying about me, myself and I, along with the few wonderful ladies I planned to spend some time with each day.
I banished those who made me feel like I wasn’t doing a good job. Those who “dick measure” with regards to the shows they’re invited to and the designer handbags they have on their arm. The whole “I bought it first” mentality, ‘cause God forbid someone else has the same taste as you. And just all in all the people that weren’t good for the soul.

This time, I took Sophie with me and met up with my sister Faye, going home each day to a sleepover at The Mayfair with two of my best friends was the perfect way to end a day of fashion, which all in all was completely delightful to say the least.

GLASSES- c/o GLASSES DIRECT, ZIP PULL KNIT- TOPSHOP, BLAZER- c/o & OTHER STORIES, TROUSERS (OLD)- SIMILAR HERE, TIGHTS- TOPSHOP, TRAINERS- NIKE VIA VERY EXCLUSIVE, BAG- LOEWE

This time around I was rather selective with my show choices too, which was another factor in why I enjoyed my experience so much. 
Selecting just the key shows and presentations that really resonate with me and left me totally falling in love with fashion again. I found the buzz of LFW that had abandoned me so many seasons before.
I remember my first season at fashion week and leaving catwalk shows with butterflies and a fire in my belly, full-to-the-brim with inspiration and completely in love with fashion and all it brings with it.
However fast-forward a season or two and I over saturated my days, attending shows that just weren’t for me and I found myself yawning throughout… Yeah really, that happened!
So I took a season out and returned this year with a more refined schedule and I’ve had a bloody good time doing it.

I left House of Holland feeling like a little girl again. That show… OH MY GOODNESS, THAT BLOODY SHOW! Each and every look that sassed it’s way down the catwalk truly resonated with me and I can honestly say I could take something from every single one of them.
I left with tingles and more inspired than ever before. That’s what fashion week is all about; It’s about leaving with all-the-feels, with tonnes of inspiration buzzing around my mind and real excitement pulsing through my veins.
It was a total waste of time attending show after show of minimalistic designers ‘cause let’s face it, that just aint my bag! So fun-filled fashion shows were HIGH on my agenda this year and House of Holland certainly did not disappoint, I mean, the soundtrack was Miley Cyrus for crying out loud!!!

Topshop Unique was also a particular highlight, having lusted after a ticket for as long as I can remember and now to have been invited was quite frankly a dream come true. Red PVC, shearling coats and all the nineties party feels, it was a show that once again left me feeling totes emosh. 

So thats it. Another fashion week has been and gone and I'm still totally buzzing from it. I'm feeling refreshed, which is totally unheard of, and completely inspired for the season ahead. I want gingham, fringing and over-the-knee cowboy boots a la House of Holland and red PVC, orange faux fur and floral maxi's by Topshop Unique.

I'm SO glad I did things a little differently this year, stripping it back and falling in love with fashion all over again. LFW is an awesome event, showcasing the best we have to offer and it's such a shame that we're often left feeling deflated due to all the other elements that go hand in hand with the bi-annual event.
I for one am taking a leaf out of my own book from now on and for all fashion week's ahead, you can take my word for it.

I also want to add how grateful I am to the wonderful Sophie Traynor and her incredible imagery, I honestly don't know what I'd do without her. These shots have got to be my favourites EVER and I can't wait to show you the rest of what we shot throughout LFW. I also want to shout out to The May Fair hotel who made all our fancy shmancy dreams come true and Mercedes Benz and Ashley for allowing us to ride around in style, you guys rock! #NotAnAd 😉

x M 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOPHIE TRAYNOR