Photos courtesy of Swarovski

In these uncertain times of Brexit, the designers at the London Fashion Week seem to be turning to British Heritage for inspiration more than ever, and they presented luxurious and glittering outfits with the help of the Austrian Swarovski, showing that London is not going to stop partying nor being utterly glamorous. Quintessentially British is the mot-du-jour for Autumn/Winter ’19 exuberant collections.

Molly Goddard

Goddard called this collection “Dressed for the Storm”. Pink or green silk dresses and tulle full-skirted dresses were worn over grey pants and the models walked in heavy boots and with baklavas on their heads.

There were plenty of argyle sweaters and dresses, so very British, and a fabulous long tunic made entirely in Swarovski crystals, worn over an argyle sweater for a warm but glamorous evening look.

Halpern

The American Micael Halpern’ A/W ’19 collection is pure glam: glitzy evening looks, gold and black pyjama suits and dresses, a luxurious hooded coat, bright yellow and sequined halters, lamé floor-length and mini dresses.

The glam nightgowns were accessorized with opulent chokers made with huge Swarovski crystals. Halpern confirms with this flamboyant collection that more is more.

Mary Katrantzou

The designer used over 200.000 Swarovski crystals and colourful stones in her exuberant collection. The models walked down the catwalk like exotic birds of paradise, in dresses with ruffles and ostrich feathers.

The use of bright colours and prints that mixed vegetation, flowers, butterflies and feathers for the dresses and matching tights resulted in very opulent looks. Like many designers, Katrantzou also presented several tartan numbers.

Paula Knorr

The nightgowns and evening looks created by the London-based German designer for her A/W’19 collection, are pure disco.

Sheer tops were worn with gorgeous draped trousers, and tight shimmering dresses, oversized sleeves, fluid and asymmetrical dresses with sequins, lamé and lurex, all very glittering, very ’70s and Studio 54.

Peter Pilotto

Pilotto’s A/W ’19 collection, inspired in the Hungarian Zsolnay china, is extremely chic and opulent, and was presented at a very fitting location; the super exclusive members-only Reform Club on Pall Mall.

Pilotto created elegant plissé maxi dresses, glittering tartan skirt suits and jumpsuits with Swarovski crystal buttons, gowns with balloon sleeves, crystal embellishment and worn with gold or silver lurex tights (I need those tights yesterday!), gorgeous silk blouses and coats with feather trimmings.

Richard Quinn

The designer who favours British heritage motifs opened his show with Adwoa Aboah in a shimmering tartan coat and presented a series of colourful floral dresses. The collection was spiced up with a subversive touch; latex gloves, tights and tops that were layered under the maxi-dresses, mini party dresses and jackets.

The models wore statement arm cuffs with chunky crystals, one of the big trends for next season.

CS