Blog: London Fashion Week overshadowed - but why?

Celebrities like Victoria Beckham gives New York Fashion Week a worldwide cover

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London Fashion Week launches some of the most exciting and innovative designers, but often get overshadowed by the big three - Milan, Paris and New York. So why has London struggled to keep up with other fashion cities when so many major international designers have hailed from here?

There are many reasons for this power struggle. Too many UK designers have defected from showing at London Fashion Week for New York, Milan and Paris. Matthew Williamson, Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen have all decided to show abroad, to name but a few. 

Another reason is that with the three main fashion weeks chopping and changing the dates that they are going to hold the shows, London often gets squeezed into a shorter number of days.  Editors of major international fashion magazines often put London on hold as its so hectic fitting the other fashion weeks in. The big name models tend to skip London as the pay isn't as good as other cities.

And then there are the celebrities.  I am at New York Fashion Week and so far there have been some impressive names this week - Jennifer Lopez, Victoria Beckham, Kirsten Dunst, Winona Ryder and Eva Longaria have all turned up in support, to name but a few. 

Like it or hate it, celebrity culture attracts the paparazzi and can give a show worldwide cover. Look at Victoria Beckham - she turned up at Marc Jacobs two nights ago and yesterday she was the most searched name on the web due to a new haircut!  Perhaps more could show their faces at London Fashion Week next week - at least it might be the start of a solution to launch London into the limelight, if only a small one.  The talent is already there, but London Fashion Week could do with extra coverage.

Although its one of the strongest fashion weeks, New York Fashion Week often gets slated as being too commercial, and lacking in innovative ideas.  Marc Jacobs proved everyone wrong on Tuesday night as he produced a collection that was very directional and oh so desirable.  Jacobs paid tribute to old America, with belted jackets over 1940s trousers and suffragette skirts, metallic fabrics contrasting against ginghams, and bold ornate jewellery of chunky bangles and statement necklaces.

Jacobs show is always a spectacle - the runway was lined with mirrors catching the reflections of the models and the music was an astute choice as it bellowed out Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue'.  Jacobs truly is a designer at the top of his game and it is no wonder that his show is the hottest ticket in town.

Matthew Williamson showed in the tents yesterday and didn't fail to impress.  His bold use of colour and embellishment were as prevalent as ever.  Bright reds were teamed with fuschia pink, sequins and beads adorned necklines and cuffs, and small clutch bags were in bright jewel tones.  Williamson always produces a collection that will brighten up any wardrobe, and I am personally a big fan of his clothing.

The main designers showing today include Oscar de la Renta, Anna Sui and Michael Kors.  With only 3 days remaining of Fashion Week, I'm not too sure if anyone can top Marc Jacobs show however I will reserve judgment for the last day.