I may have vowed to push my personal style bounderies this fashion week but today I played it fairly safe with my American Apparel burgundy cord miniskirt, navy Massimo Dutti sweater and beloved shearling-lined ankle boots. With my camera, several notepads and half a ton of show tickets (smug, moi?) shoved into my oversized Anya Hindmarch tote I headed to my first show, Maria Grachvogel. With a show held in the sumptuous settings of the Savoy’s, Lancaster Ballroom, Maria was out to impress this season. The venue was spectacular and the Front Row graced by the fashionable likes of Yasmin le Bon, Hilary Alexander and Marie Helven. The pressure was certainly on for this young designer but Maria rose to the occassion with a collection so divine the entire ballroom was struck dumb with awe.

Maria Grachvogel AW 2011

Fluid shapes and mesmerizing digital prints were the name of the game and the collection flowed beautifully throughout. From city slick tailored trousers and chiffon top combinations to red-carpet worthy gowns, every look exuded easy elegance and effortless sophistication.

Maria Grachvogel AW 2011

The palette consisted predominantly of neutrals, blues and greys but Maria kept things interesting with occasional stand-out piece including a couple of eye-popping orange dresses which will no doubt be numero uno on many a wish list next season. The collection was a mixture of artful drapery and meticulous tailoring and all in all I simply could not have asked for a more perfect start to my London Fashion Week adventures.

Maria Grachvogel AW 2011

Now fashion is an unpredictable business but one thing you can always rely on is the fact that shows never, EVER run on time. Today was no exception and I was forced to skip the Jena.Theo show due to a combination of late-starting Maria and an extra long queue in Starbucks… What can I say, my caffeine levels were in dire need of a top up! Anyway, after a quick coffee break we made for Somerset House for the Caroline Charles show. Seconds after taking my 2nd row seat a gaggle of paps descended like hungry wolves. Sadly however, it wasn’t me they wanted to snap but an extremely chic Emilia Fox sitting one row ahead.

Emilia Fox at Caroline Charles

The collection was exactly what one would expect from Caroline, very grown-up, very classic and unbelievably elegant. Primarly made up of belted skirt suits, these looks wont be hitting the streets of Shoreditch anytime soon but nonetheless the pieces were beautifully made and I predict that the numerous embellished numbers that cropped up towards the end will be gracing the backs of every society lady on the Upper East Side next season.

Caroline Charles AW 2011

Thank GOD for the Itsu on The Strand! My favourite lunching destination has opened it’s new restaurant just in time for LFW (how considerate!) so I managed to get my sushi fix before tottering down the road to Jean Pierre Braganza at the imposing Northumberland House venue. Fab venue, but total mayhem. It appeared that half of London had turned up to see the show and I spent a good 20 minutes shivering my way through a hideously lengthy queue. It was a long, cold wait but oh-so-worth it as Jean Pierre pulled out all the stops to wow us with a collection that was, in a word, fierce. The palette of steely greys and inky blacks coupled with the models super-high pony tails and dramatic make-up made for a powerful show. Sculptural shapes, sharp shoulders and lashings of leather gave the pieces an urban warrior vibe. Each and every look was streamlined, sleek and exuded a hard-edged sex appeal enhanced by the odd burst of blood red which permeated an otherwise dark and brooding collection.

Jean Pierre Braganza AW 2011

Next it was back to Somerset House, via Starbucks of course, for the Aminaka Wilmont show. Once again it was a seriously full house but luckily I’d been allocated decent 3rd row seat so my bruised tootsies got a bit of a break. A louche soundtrack gave way to a collection that simply oozed low-key luxe. There was drapery a’plenty applied to everything from knitwear to jackets to jumpsuits and whatever you do, don’t pack away your prints as for AW 2011 there going to back with a vengance. Aminaka joined the ranks of the digital brigade with abstract prints in subtle neutrals and soft putty hues. The collection combined fashion forward silhouettes with wearability and whilst not really in keeping with my personal style I can see it being a big hit with style savvy Londoners looking for new season pieces with an edge.

Aminaka Wilmont AW 2011

After an hour of blogging and catching up on leftover work in Somerset House’s fab new press area, it was time to head back down the Strand for my last show of the day, Felder Felder. The show had pulled in an impressive crowd and Northumberland House was packed fit to burst with London’s best dressed. Emotions must have been running pretty high backstage but the Felder Felder sisters treated us to one of the most engaging shows of the day. The up-beat soundtrack ushered in a collection that was all about fun and frivolity. Minimalists look away now, as there was nothing remotely shy or retiring about these autumnal offerings!

Felder Felder AW 2011

Studs, feathers, embellishment, chiffon, prints and leather all came into play with a palette that included inky black, acid blue, bright white and even metallics. This combined with the models pale faces and blue lips gave the collection a deliciously decadent “glam goth” feel. Felder Felder gave us light-hearted looks with a healthy dose of attitude and provided a welcome relief after seasons of prescribed tastefulness and understated luxury.

Felder Felder AW 2011

Felder Felder AW 2011

It has certainly been one hell of a hectic day but considering I’ve attended more shows in the past 8 hours than I did the whole of last season, I’m certainly now complaining! A speedy outfit change later and I’m ready to head back out into the cold for the Vivienne Westwood “Get a Life” party back over the other side of town… and despite my vow to take taxi’s only when strictly necessary I may have already booked myself an Addison Lee. Afterall, no one wants to break an ankle taking public transport in their 6 inch heels on the first day of Fashion Week.

Love Ella. X