London fashion week: Everything you need to know from day two of the SS18 shows

Today's offerings include some of the biggest industry names

Sarah Jones
Saturday 16 September 2017 18:46 EDT
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Models at the Burberry spring/summer 2018 show at London Fashion Week
Models at the Burberry spring/summer 2018 show at London Fashion Week (Reuters)

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It's day two and the fash-pack are really getting into the swing of things. Kicking it up a notch, today's offerings included some of the biggest industry names on its lineup: Simone Rocha, Gareth Pugh, House of Holland and Burberry.

Stalwarts in the business, their shows may have come and gone but it felt like proceedings were just reaching fever pitch. Here are the highlights from the very best of today's shows.

Burberry

This season Burberry unveiled a wholly unexpected collection at its new home Old Sessions House.

Surrounded by photography, a room full of A-listers including Anna Wintour, Naomi Campbell and Cara Delevingne were given the lowdown on the eclectic nature of British dressing.

Unlike most other shows, designer Christopher Bailey chose to title this one 'September 2017' because each and every look could be shopped immediately post-show.

It's no wonder then, that the clothes reflected the changeable weather at this time of year.

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An atypical mix of textures, colours and silhouettes, the classic waterproof was reimagined as luxurious plastic trenches that were both practical and a joy to look at.

Similarly, the brands signature ceremonial uniforms were deconstructed as mini skirts while equestrian elements adorned tops and coats.

From sorbet lace and faux fur to Burberry check bomber jackets, tartan and flashes of neon, there was nothing predictable about this collection.

Simone Rocha

A name synonymous with playfully voluminous dresses, Victoriana collars and 3D florals, Simone Rocha stuck to what she does best for SS18.

Set in the historic 16th century Middle Temple Hall - a bastion of the legal establishment - it was everything we have come to know and love about her label.

Starting with a parade of girls dresses in virginal white gowns and bunched up skirts, the collection quickly progressed to almost gothic territory with a series of floor sweeping silk numbers paired with platform lace-ups.

Florals, of course, were present too. Here hand painted and embossed pansies in orange and red covered everything from sheer gauze slips to coats and regal blouses. Another successful venture into the world of unabashed femininity.

Gareth Pugh

This season Pugh ditched the catwalk. Instead, he chose to showcase his latest creation at the largest cinema screen in Europe, booking out the BFI IMAX screen in Waterloo - its the height of four double-decker buses.

Known for his adoption of new technologies, the renowned provocateur presented the audience with a film created in collaboration with photographer Nick Knight.

And, while his signature sculpture-like clothes were present, this work was about so much more than that. It was disturbing, ferocious, violent yet grippingly beautiful.

Inspired by the concept of duende, or the spirit of evocation, the short film not only showcased a new collection of garments - think gilded bodices, voluminous hooded capes and enflamed silk - but also served as a passionate call to arms.

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House of Holland

For spring summer 2017, House of Hollands girls were swashbuckling sirens stuck out at sea.

While being British is always an intrinsic part of his work, this season the designers cool-girl aesthetic extended beyond the borders in favour of a hard day travelling under the summer sun.

From the more literal - think pirate hats and sweatshirts that read 'original pirate material' - to wavy prints resembling rocky waters, it was the beach babe vibes that grounded the more adventurous pieces into staples you could actually wear.

From a sun-drenched colour palette of aqua blue, yellow and tangerine, to asymmetric dresses and bejewelled sandals work with socks, these buccaneers were seriously bodacious.

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