I prefer the idea of 'style' to 'fashion'. My wardrobe contains mainly black and navy, rather more tonal than rainbow. Yesterday someone described my outfit as 'ombre'; thank goodness my hair isn't dip dyed.
I favour a simple kind of dressing, the trench coat and heels kind. The kind where style rules over trends, the kind that isn't deemed outrageous enough to be a target for Somerset House street style photographers. That's okay though, I don't dress to impress at fashion week, I know my style and I'm comfortable with it. After all, aren't we all too busy thinking about ourselves to care about anyone else?
Seated at a menswear show last week, I couldn't help but consider the fashion vs style dilemma. In the midst of candy coloured mops of hair, enormous stacked brothel creepers, bright blingy jackets and some otherwise chronic get ups, I felt a little undressed by comparison in my Chloe-esque navy peter pan collar coat and tonal skirt and blouse ensemble. I was comfy, and politely, pardon the phrase, 'on trend'. I'll be the first to admit that Meadham Kirchhoff is an incredible work of art, but I'll never own any of their pieces. I prefer Stella McCartney, Chloe, Celine and Burberry; even Vivienne Westwood is too exciting for me. I'm a fashion minimalist.
At the aforementioned show, I noticed something similar happening on the catwalk; my favourite looks were those ultra wearable pieces that I could imagine my male friends actually wearing. Admittedly many of them work in media; perhaps the rugby types are exempt from this. Agi and Sam presented gorgeous paneled shirts that any self-respecting young man would be proud to wear both to work, and for post-office drinks. Agi and Sam kept it simple, simple enough for their collection to be more than 'show pieces'. Keep it simple stupid.
As for costume fashion, may it live on. Somerset House wouldn't be the same without hoards of journos, stylists and associated media types swarming around its grounds hoping to be snapped and obscurely posted online. I just know I won't be joining them anytime soon. Save me a seat at Chloe, for that is where my heart lies.