London Fashion Week SS 2013....Backstage at Margaret Howell

Backstage at Margaret Howell, London, Sunday 16 September 2012.

London Fashion Week AW 2012....Backstage at Margaret Howell

Backstage at Margaret Howell, London, Sunday 19 February 2012.

Low ponytails pulled effortlessly to one side under pom pom topped Tam o' Shanter's and low-riding beanies, freshly cut slices of crimson streaked blood orange and wedges of crisp winter apples, sleepy eyed models sipping welcome cups of freshly brewed coffee (show start time is 9am), boxes of brown and black preppy penny loafers, utilitarian canvas backpacks, refined twinsets, knee-length gently pleated skirts and mannish blazers (evoking images of the young Mitford sisters in the 1930's), heavy wool military-inspired coats.....and one Paddington Bear navy knee-length duffel coat, flushed rosy cheeks (a brisk walk in the country on a winter's day perhaps?), wool pants with front pockets and track-pant hems, tales of acting and photographs (we loved seeing you back on the runway this season Dorothea Barth Jorgensen).....These Are a Few of My Favourite Things from backstage at Margaret Howell AW 2012.

London Fashion Week SS 2012....Backstage at Margaret Howell for Grazia.it

Backstage at Margaret Howell for Grazia.it, Sunday 18 September 2011.

7:45 am call time* on a Sunday morning on the third day of LFW? No problem! Especially when the Margaret Howell breakfast includes beautiful fresh purple figs, golden pears, Poilâne bread with homemade jams, bowls of toasted muesli, fruit compote, madeleines and rich chocolate brownies. In my view, the perfect way to start a Sunday morning.

And then there was the nautical inspired collection: crisp cotton shirts (in cobalt blue, white, stripes and, my favourite, peppered with tiny polka dots) topped with jaunty sailor caps, double looped belts and little scarves tied the Girl Guide way, Breton striped tops teamed with wide legged, cropped trousers, easy flat sandals, a classic navy trench, fisherman's cagoules in bright yellow and navy, simple, loose summer dresses (perfect to throw on over bathers after a day at the beach). The make-up and hair? Fresh, natural skin with red, red lips and hair tied in messy buns. My kind of styling :)


Thanks to the team at Margaret Howell and Modus Publicity for having me along.
*The models, hair and make-up teams etc would have been there a lot earlier so I can't complain ;)