London Fashion Week officially wrapped on Sept. 20 — and now the attention turns to Milan.
Before they headed to Italy, three top European buyers weighed in on their London Fashion Week highlights — including the hottest trends on the runway, favorite shows and their outlook for footwear for spring ’17. (And one thing is for sure, according to Ida Petersson).
• Cassie Smart, footwear and bags buying manager, MATCHESFASHION.COM
Top Trend: Flat shoes or slides being styled with occasion wear.
Favorite Shows: “I thought the Emilia Wickstead shoes were great and a perfect example of the new season trend for flats. I also loved the shoes at Erdem. Sophia Webster does great presentations and has a very creative way of showing footwear.”
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Overall Outlook: “Flats dominated — not just classic styles, there were also more decorative versions for evening which felt really modern – much more so than wearing a pair of high heels.
• Jennifer Cuvillier, head of style, Le Bon Marché
Top Trend: A playful tropical theme was strong with embellishments such as exotic fruit and birds of paradise – as seen at Sophia Webster and Charlotte Olympia and even Peter Pilotto.
Favorite Shows: Sophia Webster, Charlotte Olympia and Anya Hindmarsh.
Overall Outlook: Flats were the season’s strongest suit — especially ballet shoes (as seen at Malone Souliers) and a reinterpretation of the slip-on pool slide.
• Ida Petersson, non-apparel buying manager, Browns Fashion
Top Trend: “I love the continued emphasis on cool with a side of comfort. Be it a platform or a flat, the message this season is definitely be kind to your feet.”
Favorite Show: “Christopher Kane and the Crocs collaboration. I used to hate this shoe so much but Mr. Kane convinced me that they can actually be kind of cool. Sophia Webster really knows how to put on a show and this time it was a Sixties explosion and Natasha Zinko’s new flatform thong sandal is genius.
Overall Outlook: “Individuality. I love this new movement where anything goes and there is excitement over new emerging brands, not just the establishment ones.”
— By Stephanie Hirschmiller
