Paris Mumpower's London Fashion Week Scoop
As soon as I saw Alva Claire backstage, I knew it would be a fun show— it's always so nice to see a familiar face in another country. I also knew it was a morning show and all, but as soon as I walked backstage for 16Arlington all I could smell was coffee. Not a normal amount of coffee, the smell consumed the entire room. I then realized that the models were standing on piles and piles of coffee grounds not only backstage but during the show itself. When reading about the show, that's when I learned that the collection was titled “Wake." Marco Capaldo said, "it's about waking up in a new world, and to a new set of circumstances." How fitting!
There's something that feels so iconic about the shows that take place at The Old Selfridges Hotel and that was no different with Ancuta Sarca. The energy was immaculate. There's a reason every girl on your moodboard is wearing Ancuta from Bella Hadid to Rosalia— the shoes are so original and such a fun hybrid of heels and sportier styles. I hurried up to the second floor to see the presentation and immediately wanted to go on my phone and order every pair I saw afterward.
Chet Lo's personal presence was undeniable. He was glowing backstage before the show. From running around greeting his people to getting all his models ready for the show, it was clear who was running things and that everyone on board adored him. Needless to say, the designs were intricate and flawless as always, but something about seeing him in action was so special and made me love Chet Lo that much more.
Dare I call Dilara my favorite show of the season? "Not a Man's Territory" was so moving. She said it came together as she contemplated the protest that followed the arrest for wearing hijabs "improperly." The show felt like such a masterpiece, each model having their own specific choreography to follow when it was their turn to take the floor. The location was also beautiful. It was inside of this old church where the drip of a leaky faucet echoed throughout the show. I didn't realize until I went to the Piferi showroom today but they styled all the shoes for Dilara’s show! They're one of my favorites right now. (Also, it's always an exciting show when you get to run into Lisa Rinna).
Live performances are one of my favorite things at runway shows. KWK by Kay Kwok opened with a live violin performance followed by smoke filling the room and lights beaming throughout the show. My mind was blown by all the custom chrome looks, the whole show felt so cohesive. They offered the coolest necklaces as takeaway gifts that I’ll be wearing forever from now on.
I walked up a flight of stairs where loud music was blasting and a ton of people were in the hall— I asked if it was the line to the bathroom (assuming the presentation must’ve been on the next floor) but this girl laughed and showed me in— the presentation was a huge party. I was geeked out to find cowgirls everywhere playing cards with huge cowboys. It was such a fun presentation, one girl was even riding an electric bull while others were dancing on tabletops. Being from the Appalachian mountains myself, I give it a southern girl certified “yeehaw."
