Within These Hallowed Halls; London Fashion Week Fall 2011

London Fashion Week was pulsated by heritage. There was a pride, authenticity and personal craftsmanship in the collections. It was a season of Argyle, knitwear, tweed and crochet. And plenty of 1970’s back- to -school touches, as seen in knee-high socks and pleated skirts. Here are some of the collegiate looks that managed to receive high marks in my book.

Mulberry: The enchanted forest served as one of the themes for the charming brand Mulberry. Designer Emma Hill channeled, “Fantastic Mr. Fox” by beloved author Roald Dahl. The collection featured a lineup of sixties/seventies inspired looks. Frolicking across the catwalk, feminine details combined with autumn touches seen in the pleated dresses with knee high socks, A-line skirts and cropped tweed jackets, chunky corduroys, and outerwear. While the signature Mulberry handbag epitomized quintessential English style.

Paul Smith: It was nerdy chic at its finest with librarian glasses, chunky cardigans and tasseled loafers. The Paul Smith Fall 2011 collection resembled a prep school boy’s wardrobe. The overall vibe was very casual and masculine with layered looks, cashmere, overcoats, and slouchy denim and rolled up BF corduroys. Smith added feminine and sexy details through colors like magenta, tangerine, burgundy and olive. Fun accessories like oxford shoes, men’s ties and beanie hats added boyish charm for a perfect girlish twist.

Charles Anastase: This season Charles Anastase’s Lolita muse grew up-- just enough. The Anastase Girl channeled prim schoolgirl with a naughty edge in princess-lined coats, button-backed dresses, Peter Pan collars and metal embellished wool dresses. The collection also brought a seventies element which seemed to symbolize the rebellion and teenage tantrums of his maturing style. A kaleidoscope of textures ranged from corduroys, silks, pony skins and velvet, further conveying a seductive allure.