Fashion designers return to elegance in buzzy London

A weakened global economy is constantly on the weigh on the luxury fashion industry and London designers were keen to showcase statement pieces that buyers may wish to invest in, drawing on the timeless silhouettes from the 1950s, as seen at Temperley London, Emilia Wickstead and Vivienne Westwood Red Label.

"London still feels creative but still has that exciting, buzzy energy about this, but the collections were filled with highly wearable, luxurious pieces," Pat McNulty, web editor of UK's Cosmopolitan magazine, told Reuters within an email, citing collections from Giles, Burberry Prorsum, Erdem and Mulberry among her favorites.

The rich floral culture from the English countryside would be a central theme this year, as designers incorporated vibrant blooms and floral colors to their palettes.

Floral motifs adorned garments at Erdem, Mulberry, Bora Aksu, Temperley London and Corrie Nielsen, who had been inspired by botanical gardens and Japanese artist Makoto Murayama.

Designers favored lighter fabrics for his or her spring creations, utilizing a medley of organza, cotton, silk and chiffon, but added an attractive edge with cropped tops and short hemlines at Felder Felder, peek-a-boo cutouts at Erdem and bonded leather at Mulberry.

Designers For Bellevue Collection Independent Designers

Continuing the tradition of celebrating the job of independents, an exclusive Bellevue Square Center Court Fashion Exhibit will feature one look each in the 10 independent local designers selected to participate within this much-anticipated Independent Designer Runway Show during Fashion Week in the Bellevue Collection.

The Bellevue Collection celebrates for that third year consecutively Fashion’s Night Out, an evening of high style and festivities. The night time includes a host of store events and special rewards for first arrivals plus a special salute to local independent designers.

The Bellevue Collection celebrates for that third year consecutively Fashion’s Night Out, an evening of high style and festivities The night time includes a host of store events and special rewards for first arrivals plus a special salute to local independent designers.

This past year, we have begun a tradition of showcasing independent designers in this worldwide celebration of favor,” says Jennifer Leavitt, Vice President of promoting. She notes the 2011 Bellevue Square exhibit featured independent designers within the ‘Nordic Fashion Biennale: Curator’s Cut.’

Seattle-area NBC’s Season One Fashion Star contestants Lisa Vian Hunter of Vian Hunter House of favor, and Lizzie Parker along with her partner Nicolas Bowes of La, also a Fashion Star contestant, will join winning local designers to contribute one special turn to the Fashion Exhibit and can headline the special Independent Designer Runway Show later that month.

“This year, we're celebrating local area designers, each with their own style and sensibility usual for Pacific Northwest designers. There's an independent spirit within this community that is beautifully expressed within the work of our local designers. We are eager to do our part to foster and mentor these talented designers to assist them to build a successful fashion business. This special night, as well as the upcoming runway show, will highlight their incredible designs.”