London Fashion Week continues

Day two of London Fashion Week and Friday's trends penetrated through with even more aplomb.

Starting the day’s events was Daks with their signature array of heritage check and tweed. The fast secured trend of knee length skirts and conservative two pieces dominated the collection, with soft pleats and softer shirts providing a rounded femininity to the looks. Statement cocoon coats became the centrepieces and will undoubtedly form the most commercially popular items from this Classically British designer.

Over at the Goldsmiths Hall was the Clements Ribeiro collection, featuring the reoccurring trend of clashing patterns printed onto loose silk items. A playful elegance was felt throughout the collection, with flowing pyjama trousers and blousons printed in wild and contrasting shades of on trend maroon, rust and yellow. Jimmy Choo collaborated with the designers this season, creating a range of patent leather stilettos, accentuating the effeminate vibe of the collection.

Some serious cool was brought to London Fashion Week in the form of Simone Rocha’s runway show. Metallic leather minis, super stacked heels and her trademark lace pieces were taken down the runway by models in swept over fringes and minimalistic makeup. The monochrome palette of black and white with dashes of cold silver could have been at home amongst the New York shows we saw last week, but her edge and quirk was undoubtedly Brit born.

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Sugary sweet girlishness was brought to London by Moschino Cheap and Chic’s collection. Inspired by getting made up and ready to go out, the incredibly pretty pieces were doused in confectionery colours and glittery accessories. The sparkling makeup and vanity case handbags finished the looks with whimsical perfection. A collection that was good enough to eat.

House of Holland brought some extra exuberance to the day with a collection based in the seventies rather than his familiar eighties territory. The collection was more grown up than his previous shows, but no less witty and sassy, with zig zag coats, striped leggings and oversized houndstooth prints leaving that well known House of Holland stamp on the exhibition.

[Related story: The must-see shows at London Fashion Week]

John Rocha brought us a show underlined with his signature black shading in texture combinations of silk georgette, lace, wool, marabou and cashmere. Taffeta dominated the first few looks with great voluminous sleeves and hips accentuating the models’ curves, whilst belted shaggy furs kept seasonality to the collection. As we’ve already seen in numerous shows this week, Rocha used metallic accents of greenish gold to lift the murky palette (matching the models’ eye makeup), whilst occasional 3D rose blossoms gave a more overt hint of femininity.

Temperley London brought a welcome new dimension to London Fashion Week with a Russian folk inspired collection. Embroidered floral patterns on smock dresses in fresh colours ran the runway, topped with oversized fur hats that were fun yet entirely wearable. A certain regal feel was found in the wide, medal-esque belts and rich, opulent colours. A perfect celebration for the Queen's diamond jubilee.

Undoubtedly the most beautiful show of the day, Issa London provided an array of printed silk dresses and separates that blew away press and f-rowers alike. From seventies chic to twenties flapper, Issa brought us a selection of art deco, fringe detailed, dangerously sheer mini dresses in black gold and nude. A collection that will take pride of place in the wardrobe of any discerning woman.

Stella McCartney finished the day with the off schedule presentation of her diffusion line. Trademark McCartney touches were seen in an refreshingly young and original collection.

With day two under our belts, we're fully in our stride and ready to take on the next LFW challenge...