London Fashion Week diary: Bora Aksu, seat stealing at Mark Fast, and the runway so far

BORA AKSU Spring 2011. Photography by Samir Hussein/Getty Images

Friday

The first shows in London were under-attended due to the tornado in New York, but in London the weather’s fine and after a restful night at the May Fair Hotel and a lovely car ride with my assigned driver for the week (thanks, British Fashion Council!), I started the day at the Bora Aksu show. (Loved the ant-trail-printed tights. Wonder if—hoping—those will be produced?)

Favourite moment of today’s fashion week experience: Seeing a model, hair still in a bird’s nest from the Jena.Theo‘s Arabian Nights-inspired show–the duo won 2009’s Fashion Fringe contest, which was judged by Donatella Versace–take off to her next show on her foot-scooter. Cute.

Saturday and Sunday

Days two and three of London fashion week flew by, and despite a few ticket/door mishaps (it’s never a good time trying to convince a burly doorman you’re on the PR company’s list because your hard copy invite never arrived at the hotel!), the shows have been great.

There have been plenty of ’70s looks but what’s been amazing has been seeing soooo much leopard everywhere. I wondered if I was making a mistake packing my leopard Rodarte for Target dress, but I’m glad I did! Today, Carine Roitfeld was wearing a leopard print jacket at the Mark Fast show (she sneaked in via backstage and sat at the base of the runway, while a sneaky gal slipped into her assigned seat next to Stefano Tonchi); yesterday and the day before, I saw millions of Brits in spotted scarves, hats, and furry jackets.

Today’s highlight: Going backstage after Mark Fast and touching (weighing) the mega-platform, custom Louboutins. I especially love the ones with snakeskin-covered platforms! (Check back tomorrow for the full backstage report.)

Click the images below to see some looks from the opening weekend of London Fashion Week (with bonus Mark Fast from today!)
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