Londons Finest

Being one of the many fashion obsessed people in the world, I am thrilled to being going to the country that houses many of my favorite designers. I have such an appreciation for British fashion houses because they are so eclectic. You have the iconic Burberry, whose famous plaid patterns are as important to the city as Big Ben, and on the other end you have the vibrant and fearless Vivienne Westwood, who never met a bright color or crazy pattern she didn't love. Below I will feature a couple of my favorite British designers, some are very well known and some a new to the scene, but promise to leave an impression on the fashion industry.

 

Matthew Williamson - Spring 2009

Mr. Williamson, originally from Manchester, began his career in the 90's as a designer for companies such as Marni, Monsoon, and Accessorize, all popular British clothing stores. He grew to fame when he premiered his first collection in 1997 at London Fashion Week and have the likes of Kate Moss, Jade Jagger, and Helena Christensen rocking the runway in his designs. He is known for his extreme use of detail, bright color, and intricate patterns.

Ted Baker 

Taylor Swift wearing Ted Baker

Kourtney Kardashian wearing Ted Baker

Ted Baker is my favorite British Design House, mostly because the designer let the clothes speak for themselves. Managing Director, Ray Kelvin, founded Ted Baker in 1988 and refused to do any advertising for the line, but hoped the line would succeed due to word of mouth. It is now an international brand and has stores all over the world. Ted Baker is known for taking classic pieces for men and women and adding detail through design twists. Taylor Swift and Kourtney Kardashian are huge Ted Baker fans and are often seen wearing their tailored dresses and flowing blouses. 

Anya Hindmarch - Beverly Metallic Hobo

 Olivia Palermo carrying an Anya Hindmarch design

Anya Hindmarch is a fantastic handbag and accessories designer who is known for her practical and stylish designs. Her career started when she was a teenager and her parents gave her a Gucci bag before attending university, but she was so inspired by the bag she went to Florence to study Italian instead. She noticed the styles of the women in Italy, went back to England, made her own line of bags, and sent them to the editor of a major fashion publication, who printed an article on the up and coming designer. She says all of her designs are based on exceptional workmanship and her design motto, British, humorous, bespoke. Anya Hindmarch has also designed a moderately priced line for Target, and the I Am Not A Plastic Bag tote, raising awareness for environmentally conscious fashions.