Saving the best of the London womenswear RTW till last? Judge for yourselves.

CHRISTOPHER KANE

Christopher Kane AW 12

That Mr Kane has been watching some dark stuff in the run up to this show, namely the serial killer movie, Cruising. It was all a little sinister in reference with the purest blood red dresses that had the illusion of looking almost wet and watermarked silk pieces reminiscent of coffin linings. Dark? yes, even the placed florals were on black and in sinister shades, but it could in no way be described as gothic – it was strong, powerful and beautiful in Kane’s signature style.

Today we hit the exhibition space at Somerset House to look at some new season pieces while leisurely strolling around, rather than watching it moving down a catwalk.

Alexandra Jefford AW 12

The exhibitions newest addition this season was the Rock Vault. If bling is your thing you’d be very happy in this space on the Embankment Terrace, where designers including Matches favourites Alexandra Jefford and Fernando Jorge showcased their latest fine jewellery designs.

Alexandra Jefford AW 12

Known as ‘The Oscars of the Design World’ the The Design Museum’s Designs of the Year Awards showcase the most innovative and progressive talent worldwide, spanning seven categories: Architecture, Fashion, Furniture, Graphics, Digital, Transport and Product.

Cut It Out by Noma Bar

Fashion-wise, Matches favourites are well represented (well, we know good design when we see it).

Mary Kantrantzou stands out in the Fashion category and is a no-brainer nomination. “The collection deserves to be recognised as a high watermark of fashion” said US Vogue’s Sarah Mower (a judge for the awards). ‘Katrantzou is one of the most original young designers working today’

With the couture shows happening now in Paris, it can only mean that the international ready-to-wear collections are perilously close! Whether you’re attending any shows or making notes and wishlists from the comfort of your home computer, there is one essential that editors, buyers and fashion enthusiasts all need – a totally impressive notebook.

In the past we may have visited a high-end stationers – but not this season. Who needs watermarked paper from Bond Street when you have Alber Elbaz’s fabulous illustrated notebooks to clutch to your chest while dashing around looking important.

Alber silhouettes small notebook by Lanvin at Matches, £30