Fashion Week From The Experts
Check out what the top industry insiders pack in their bags for London Fashion Week
Donna Ida, Owner Donna Ida boutiques
Best Memory: Simeon Farrar is so clever with Fashion Week. Last year to launch his new punk label Black Score, he took his tees to London Fashion Week. I loved seeing Cara Delevigne rocking his Black Score ‘Tom Ford is my Home Boy’ tee. The perfect fashion rebellion and she looked amazing. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.
Handbag Essential: My iPhone. I can’t live without it. It’s my diary, camera, link to Twitter and phone all in one. It makes it super easy to photograph anything I’m looking at buying. I also love Rodial Glam Balm, which I carry with me at all times. Finally an apple; an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Jo Elvin, Editor of GLAMOUR
Best Memory: SO many fun memories. Most recently, it was being blown away by the Louis Vuitton spring/summer show, and not just for the amazing escalator set but the clothes. I loved them and the collection has really gone on to set the agenda this season, with everyone clamouring to shoot it for our covers. And then this time last year, Stella McCartney's amazing London presentation. We thought we were sitting with regular dinner guests. Turns out all the pretty people were 'plants' who suddenly jumped up and performed a beautifully choreographed, high energy dance routine! She is a true creative, in every way.
Handbag Essential: Low GI snacks like oatcakes, Green and Black's mini chocolate bars, water, lip balm, paracetamol, my phone, Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge, iPad. Funnily enough, I like a huge handbag.
Julien Macdonald, Designer
Best Memory: My most stand-out memory of London Fashion Week is when I walked down the catwalk of my show with Kate Moss on one side of me and Mel B on the other, after both had modelled in my fashion show at the Roundhouse. I had a a celebrity-packed house and even got the De La Guarda performance to be included in the fashion show.
Eve Thomas, Styling Director at The Outnet
Handbag Essential: Heels are a must during Fashion Week. I opt for shoes with a concealed platform or wedge, as they are much kinder on my feet than a stiletto heel - I always carry flats in my bag for when I’m dashing from one show to another.
A big bag is vital for holding an iPad, camera and show tickets - plus all your other daily essentials. I prefer to invest in classic styles that I know I’ll wear again and again.
Inject a pop of color to your outfit by adding a printed scarf or statement jewellery to your look! Jonathan Saunders has some beautiful scarves and Marni is my go-to brand for bold necklaces.
Lisa Potter-Dixon, Head Make-up & Trend Artist for Benefit
Best Memory: Last season I had the pleasure of working with the gorgeous Cara Delevigne on the amazing Matthew Williamson show. Not only is she a beauty, but she's also very funny! This was a definite highlight for me! I am looking forward to working on the Matthew Williamson show again this season.
Handbag Essential: My handbag is always jam-packed! But my LFW essentials are as follows:
My Ipad, essential for photo taking, Twitter and Instagram, I am obsessed! Follow me for backstage goss @Lisa_Benefit.
My Porefessional primer as it's sweaty backstage and this helps take away any excess oil without having to use a powder.
My knitting! Yes slightly strange I know, but if I get a spare few minutes I always have a bit of a knit, it keeps me calm!
A can of Diet Coke - emergency caffeine is always needed at some point!
Carmen Borgonovo, Fashion Director at My-Wardrobe.com
Best Memory: I have very fond memories of Junya Watanabe show right after September 11th. The poetic beauty of the show coupled with an Air Supply soundtrack was bliss. In that short moment we forgot about everything that was happening in the world and were transported to a better place.
Handbag Essential: Evian water, iPhone, Smythson notebook
Emma Hill, former Creative Director at Mulberry
Best Memory: Every season, every show, has a new best memory! I’m always so proud of my team, seeing the final walk around the catwalk makes me want to sigh with relief and jump for joy! There have been so many pinch-me moments: the amazing show of support from the show guests, hearing the music start the show, putting the final touches to the looks… every season gets better and I couldn’t be more proud of Mulberry.
Handbag Essential: My new Willow Tote is proving to be perfect amongst the madness of Fashion Week preparation! The style combines a roomy tote with a practical zip-detached clutch, which is also a useful front pocket that holds my phone, keys, card holder, all the paraphernalia that I can’t lose! I think a key part of designing and using a great bag is how practical it is. It sounds simple but plenty of styles just don’t work for your daily life. This is always a focus for me when designing new shapes and styles, and the Willow Tote had the same consideration.
