LFW Kicks Off: London Fashion Week A/W18

For all you FROW wannabees, today's the day you've been waiting for! London Fashion Week AW18 kicks off officially today. This season, London's young and emerging designers are holding the torch for the event, while some of the bigger names - such as Armani and Tommy Hilfiger - are forgoing their usual shows. On the emerging designer line-up are AV Robertson, Dilara Findikoglu and Richard Quinn.

Here at Alfies, we're here to show you how you can go green and wear vintage and still channel the latest styles. Here's the lowdown on the key trends of the week, and some fabulous pieces from Alfies:

Embellished Clutch Bags

Antique beaded evening bag with pearl snap closure Available from Connie Speight

Bakelite clutch bag with inlaid shell butterfly feature. Available from Sheila Cameron 

Sequin bow clutch, c1980s. Available from Gloria Sinclair

Ultraviolet

Austrian wool jacket, c1960s. Available from June Victor

Silver gild and enameled leaf shaped necklace. Available from Gareth Brooks

Bold Colour & Print

A selection of 1940s glazed pottery star sign brooches, made in Valleuris and signed Sisca. Available from Tony Durante

Haori meisen silk kimono, Japan, c1930s. Available from Barbara Rich Textiles

1950s French Tapestry Le Reveille Matin by Marc Saint Saens. Available from The Moderns

From the rest..

Don't forget to visit Tin Tin Collectables and Dream Retro, for their fantastic collections of vintage fashion, costume and accessories.

1980s gold coloured large clip-on earrings. Available from Dream Retro

Tassled Shawl. Available from Tin Tin Collectables

London Fashion Week

September is a time to re-evaluate your wardrobe and curate your autumn outfits, if you're after a stand out piece to take you through the season then Alfies is the perfect spot to begin your quest. With September's London Fashion Week kicking off tomorrow, and running until 20 September, you need to be belle of the ball!

Taking inspiration from the Autumn/Winter 2016 fashion forecast, we found lots of key trends at Alfies... 

Stripes: Vintage lame jacket, available from Tin Tin Collectables

Stripes / Granny Chic: Lili Ann Suit, available from Tin Tin Collectables

Velvet / Gothic: Devoré dress, available from Tin Tin Collectables

Velvet: 1960s burgundy coat dress, available from Carole Collier

Gothic / Velvet / 1980s: Devoré burgundy/black dress, from Carole Collier

Velvet: Orange lined velvet dress, from June Victor

Velvet: 1920s velvet dress, offered by June Victor

Stripes: Italian chiffon designer dress, available from June Victor

Stripes: Brown brocade 1950s dress, available from June Victor

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty At The V&A Museum

The much acclaimed Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibiting at the V&A Museum from March 14th to the 2nd August 2015 celebrates the extraordinary talent of one of the most creative and innovative designers of recent times. Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty is the first and largest display of the late designer's work to be showcased in Europe. Spanning from his 1992 MA graduate collection to his unfinished A/W 2010 collection.

London was McQueen’s world. He grew up in the city’s East End and having left school at 15 years old he seized the chance to become an apprentice tailor at the world famous Savile Row in Mayfair. In 1990 he was accepted onto the prestigious MA Fashion course at Central Saint Martins. He drew inspiration from everything around him including the emerging Brit Art scene, London’s rich history, and its illustrious architecture and museums. 

“London’s where I was brought up. It’s where my heart is and where I get my inspiration,” Alexander McQueen, January 2000.

Spray painted dress, No. 13, S/S 1999

Duck feather dress, The Horn of Plenty, A/W 2009/10

Nature was the most prominent influence upon Alexander McQueen with collections often including fashions that took their forms and raw materials from the natural world. With his mixture of technology, craft and showmanship McQueen frequently played upon the transformative powers of clothing.  

Jacket, Alexander McQueen, It's a Jungle out there, Autumn/Winter 1997-8

Python skin Armadillo boot, S/S 2010

If you are as much of a fan as we are of the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty display, and avant garde is your thing, be sure to visit us at Alfies to see the wide range of unique and original items available from our dealers. Here are some of our favourites:

1950s black velvet and appliqué textile feather hat, offered by Tony Durante

1950s Italian Murano red and gold glass fish offered by Eclectic Antiques & Contemporary

This 1940s brown hat is made of felt and feather.Offered by Velvet Atelier

1920s lame dress with 3D lame leafs and grapes offered by Velvet Atelier

18ct garnet Victorian buckle in original box. Offered by Kieron Reilly

19th century icon of a Russian Saint on gold background, offered by Diplomat Treasures International

1940s large chocolate brown envelope crocodile clutch bag. Offered by Tony Durante