London, as one of the four destinations of world’s fashion week, has predominated the fashion industry with it’s rebellious vision. In my opinion, there are two sides of British Fashion, one is the more traditional, and conventional type which is descended from its hundreds years of history; the other one is the more edgy, and daring type from the new generation of Londoners.
In the late 18th, and 19th century, Britain’s industrial revolution bolstered up the world’s technology development; alongside the prosperity, more and more population from all over the globe came to Britain. London thereupon fostered it’s own signature fashion trends. Numerous boutiques opened up on the streets, the fashion industry also achieved a howling success; moreover, London had became one of the most glamorous city besides Paris in 19th century.
Because of the profound history of Britain, the fashion withstood the test of time, and penetrated into every English’s daily life. Nowadays, it’s irresistible to notice the conventional style that’s been “exhibited” on any Londoner. The Trench Coat on the businessman; the Cambridge Satchel on the college students; or tartan (plaid) scarf on the hipster, the old British fashion has circulated to every citizens in Britain, and became a timeless classic.
However, “fashion is all about looking forward”, said by Anna Wintour, British fashion evolved towards a more edgy direction. More innovative designer manifested; those designers design clothes that are avant-garde, and very rebellious. Take example of the most splendid fashion show of McQueen, the 2010 Spring-Summer show, the extraterrestrial look of the models, and the use of post apocalyptic jungle creatures prints, the flow from green, to black, then to blue, and python skin texture all enhanced the theme “Plato’s Atlantis”. This show has always been my personal favorite because of the audacious inspiration of Alexander McQueen.
In the meantime, some old brands were starting to embrace the new. For instance, Burberry gave a new incarnation of the signature trench coat in the 2013 spring-summer collection. The appearance of vibrant fabrics, and bionic textures gives this classic brand a touch of excitement.
The huge contrast of the old and new sparks the passion of British fashion, and more importantly, swiftly conquered the world’s fashion industry.
----- Alex S.
A WWII soldier wearing trench coat
Cover of Vogue in 1930
Holding a red-white striped satchel
Fashion Studio in 1970
Wearing plaid coat
Blake Lively with Plaid scarf
Student with Satchel
Businessmen with Trench coat
Burberry 2013 Spring-Summer Collection
2010 Alexander McQueen Spring-Summer collection
