Retrospective The History Behind Fashion LFW13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was invited to the press Retrospective fashion show for London Fashion Week 2013 at Bloomsbury ballroom, sadly I was unable to attend, so I thought I would share some of the inspirational vintage pieces that featured here on My Passport To Style. This clever new concept in historical catwalk fashion received rave reviews last year at London Fashion Week 2012, the show featured genuine vintage designs ranging from the 1920s through to the 80s blending casual look with more formal wear to present a window into the new seasons trends.Since much of  fashion is already created by taking inspiration from the past this concept makes perfect sense.The show featured pieces from Chanel, Pucci, Vivienne Westwood, Biba, Dior and Donna Karen.

 

 

Fashion visionaries Vivienne Westwood and Barbara Hulanicki founder of Biba loaned special items for the show together with other Vintage suppliers for London such as Lucy In Disguise, Violets Box, One Of A Kind and Vintage Modes.

 

 You may have noticed skirts with plenty of volume are heading our way to be honest, my hips don't really need any more emphasis or fabric, thank-you. However Retrospectives hot pink billowing  skirt combined with a slash neck black top with sheer sleeves and pink tassel detailing created a sense of luxe whilst not being overly fussy which I loved.

 

 No vintage fashion show would be complete without a taste of velvet, I'm so glad the stylist chose to include this sensual purple velvet dress and bolero heavy with velvet roses, the colour looks amazing against the model's alabaster skin.

 

The third look featured here is so pretty, blush pinks and bronze tones come together in a blouse that with its detailed pleating and origami folds looks like a top from the eighteenth century, the stripey gold and blue knickerbockers work beautifully with the intricate detail and russet tones, I have to confess this was my favourite look.

 

The last two pieces featured selected for the show are polar opposites, the gold long wool sleevless coat and matching dress with fur trim and large flap pockets offers an understated easy elegance, whilst the stunning lace overlay dress with large velvet double bow applique and feathering around the plunging neckline has a regal but romantic feel, I can't help wondering, if Snow White And The Huntsman had a part to play in Stylist Violet Naylor Layland's choice of both these two pieces. Do you have a favourite?             

*Images courtesy of Retrospective*