Christopher Raeburn at London Fashion Week AW12 // The Big Freeze

What? Christopher Raeburn Presentation ‘Freeze’ AW12

Where? The portico Rooms (Somerset House)

When? Saturday 18th February 2012 4:20pm

Who? Some amazing inflatable critters (see photo!)

After a mad dash from Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s Freemasons’ Hall yesterday afternoon, in the pouring rain, and whilst tottering along in wildly inappropriate wedges (hey, if you can’t dress up in LFW when can you?) over to Somerset House, I arrived at the Christopher Raeburn Presentation looking somewhat bedraggled.  But a last minute ticket opportunity was not going to be wasted, come rain or shine!  And boy, am I glad I managed to get my sopping wet socks through the door to experience Raeburn’s AW12 presentation, appropriately entitled ‘Freeze’.

The presentation itself was a very slick and simple affair, with limited decoration except for the giant inflatable see-through critters taking residence in the corners of the room (my inner child was going insane).  And all this worked wonders as it let the immaculate and detail-driven collection speak volumes for itself.

With Raeburn’s signature style never venturing far from a military feel, the AW12 line revealed a collection which married exceptional function and protection from the elements with sublime style.  Gilets, duffel coats and bomber jackets took centre stage, in a variety of shades from navy blues and charcoal greys to surprising splashes of sunshine yellow and blancmange pink; somewhat of a change of pace for Raeburn compared to previous seasons – no wonder as he has dubbed ‘Freeze’ his most feminine collection to date.

Already a NEWGEN Women’s and British Fashion Award winner, and with a new accessories line launching for AW12 (again, no skimping on utility and functionality here) there cannot be anyway but up for Raeburn.  Well, if you have Philip Green’s backing you can’t be going wrong.

Jordan Askill – a Quiet Hurricane

It’s pretty rare that I get struck down with lust for a piece of jewellery. The odd YSL tribute heel, maybe. A Richie Nicholl dress, almost definitely. But the world of accessories has always been muddy waters for me. That was until I met a certain Mr Jordan Askill.

I was introduced to the designer two seasons ago at LFW, where, as one of the NEWGEN recipients, he had set up shop at the exhibition at Somerset House. With his quiet determination and humble manner, Askill has had hugely successful stints at Ksubi and Dior Homme – his collections are nothing short of breathtaking.

Whether it’s galloping horses transformed into cuffs, or a string of kissing sparrows turned into a statement necklace, every Askill piece is delicate and sculptural. Having been nominated for a British Fashion Award this year, it seems Askill has also expanded into the world of ethical fashion – using fair trade stones from GEMFIELDS for his Spring/Summer 2012 collection, inspired by taxidermy and 3D birds. I wasn’t lusting after one particular piece; I wanted everything.

Currently designing his fourth collection, I predict Askill is somewhat of a quiet hurricane – soft in his approach and yet destined to make a huge impact.

Jordan Askill designs are currently available exclusively at Dover Street Market. 

Style & Then Some’s new contributor Dee is a freelance journalist. She blogs about fashion here – alternatively follow her on Twitter.