For some reason I assumed that what with it being Fashion Week, the weather would miracurously perk up and we’d be treated to a sunny February. Unsurprisingly this has not been the case and today my carefully planned LFW wardrobe was thrown majorly off kilter by the onslaught of rain. I decided that my high-waisted kick flares would not be a wise choice given current weather conditions so instead went for my Urban Outfitters herringbone shorts, lace-up boots and pink Topshop Blouse which I accessorized with my black Marc Jacobs handbag and rather less glamourously, an umbrella.

First show of the day was Daks, thankfully held in the BFC tent at Somerset House. Despite the obscenely early hour, the show pulled in an impressively large and impeccably stylish turnout with Hilary Alexander resplendant in a giant fur hat seated, of course, in the Front Row. From my 2nd row (not too shabby, eh?) seat next to Iman I had a fantastic view of the collection which was the epitome of English countryside chic.

Daks AW 2011

Think off-duty aristocrat with knits, checks, tweeds, tartans, quilting and cashmere. Every look was utterly classic, impeccably cut and exuded old school elegance. The collection came in a palette of creams, greys, black and navy with the odd bright sweater thrown in and was largely made up of simple separates, longer hemlines and traditional, belted silhouettes.

Daks AW 2011

Top tip from the show: capes may be impractical but they’re not going anywhere so I suggest you accept the fact your arms are going to be permanantly chilly and invest in one of Daks’ beautiful numbers. All in all, Daks did exactly what they do best and provided us with a conservative, but nonetheless lovely collection.

Daks AW 2011

After a much-needed Starbucks break it was back to the BFC tent for show number 2, Betty Jackson. With the likes of Jameela Jamil, Tracy Emin and Jo Wood on the front row, Betty J looked to be a pretty hot ticket this LFW. Again I managed to wangle a fab 2nd row seat right behind uber blogger, Liberty London Girl so was perking up by the second. After all, there’s no better hangover cure than a good seat at a hot show!

Jameela Jamil at Betty Jackson

The collection was an absolute treat in uplifting cherry reds and delicious creamy hues. There was plenty of texture play going on and the designer kept things interesting with chunky knits, faux fur, leather and sheer chiffon and mixing voluminous shapes and heavy fabrics with floaty floral dresses.

Betty Jackson AW 2011

Overall the collection had a refreshing lack of pretence about it and the looks were given an injection of fun with the addition of oversized bows, super-cute white tights, patent platforms and embellished flowers adorning the models hair. I predict that Betty Jackson’s flirty and light-hearted pieces will get many a pulse racing this winter.

Betty Jackson AW 2011

By this point I was starving so it was time for a quick trip to… you guessed it, itsu before strolling back to Somerset House for the J.JS Lee presentation. I first heard of Jackie Lee during LFW in September when I fell in love with her SS 2011 collection after stumbling across it at the On/Off showrooms. Anyway, Jackie’s back and this season she’s on-schedule with her very own slot in the main presentation space. I was excited to see how this talented young designer has developed her work over the past 6 months and was certainly not disappointed.

J. JS Lee AW 2011

The collection was a true testament to the power and beauty of masterful tailoring and attention to detail. The palette of neutrals, caramel and softest dove grey-blue kept all eyes on the fine quality materials used and the way in which the designer experiments with shape to include form-fitting, mannish and voluminous silhouettes in her collection.

J. JS Lee AW 2011

The model’s barely-there-makeup and slicked-back hair served as a reminder to us all that less really can be more. The trend reports may claim that minimalism is ‘over’ but there’s certainly nothing passe about JS.Lee’s take on understated luxury. The designers knack of giving classic styles her own unique twist made for a collection that was both timeless and yet extremely modern whilst a delightfully french soundtrack provided a perfect accompaniement to a collection which exuded left bank chic.

J. JS Lee AW 2011

After a quick mince around the exhibition it was back into the BFC tent for my final show of the day, John Rocha. Once again, the venue was packed with fashionable faces including Hilary Alexander (that woman is EVERYWHERE!) and MTV’s Laura Whitmore.

Laura Whitmore at John Rocha

The buzzword of the day has to have been ‘texture’ and no one does it quite like John Rocha. The collection was a myriad of weave, knits, layers, chiffon, feathering and trims of every description.

John Rocha AW 2011

There were numerous black looks which, combined with the exaggerated silhouettes and spectacular head gear on display gave the collection a darkly decadent feel. Model-of-the-moment Abby-Lee Kershaw (girl-crush alert!) caused numerous jaws to hit the floor as she strutted her stuff on the catwalk. But what I loved the most about John’s collection is the fact that it wasn’t so ready-to-wear that it could quite literally be worn straight off the runway and into the office.

John Rocha AW 2011

Obviously individual pieces (especially those fabulous patchwork furs) would make for divine day wear paired with jeans and sans oversized headpiece. But for the catwalk John Rocha managed to inject his collection with a healthy dose of drama and for that I applaud him.

Love Ella. X