In house fashion blogger Tilly Tasker gives us an account of The Fashion Workshop at the Friary Centre, Guildford earlier this month as the seasons change from Summer to Autumn…
I love autumn. There’s something about the colours, food and the faint smell of the oncoming chill in the air that gets me excited for the long, slow months of warmth, comfort and roaring fires. But, most of all, I love autumn fashion! Big snuggly coats, fur, leathers, knitted jumpers that all come in heart-warming shades of brown, black and deep blues.
Autumn fashion for me is all about layering and combining different textures and fabrics with colours. It’s all about the berry tones, pop-yellows and more! Everything about autumn is just one warm, colourful and comfortable embrace. And I can’t wait for the days when the leaves fall off the trees and it’s time to start cooking pumpkin soup!
Which was why I didn’t pass up an opportunity to see the best of the new season showcased at Guildford’s Friary Centre recently. Armed with my camera, I genuinely couldn’t wait to see how the Friary Centre (in collaboration with Fashion Live UK) had hand-picked and styled various items from the stores in the centre and personally styled them for the new season.
One useful snippet of fashion advice I picked up on instantly as the show began concerned the base layer; the model of the event wore a plain pair of black leather-look leggings and a contrasting tone black top. Alone, it looked a bit severe but it intrigued me how the outfit changed so dramatically with the help of simple items. Throw on a glamorous statement necklace and it became an appropriate after-work drinks number. Add a sleek, navy blazer with a scarf casually thrown around the neck and you’re fit to meet any client and make a great impression too.
There were outfits appropriate for the professional environment- minimalistic and clean dressed, but the 60’s inspired monochromes of summer took a back seat and harsh whites were replaced with the berry shades of autumn. Think cranberry colours, blueberries, ripe and rosy apples and the crispy hues of oak leaves about to drop off the trees and you’ve got it.
Berry shades also made a guest appearance for men’s autumn/winter ’14 range too. The tailored suit looked cool and professional in deep navy with a shiny finish, teamed with a black shirt and tie, it screamed effortless cool. Take note, boys! The black shirt is here to stay!
As they began to showcase the more casual attire, I breathed a little sigh of relief. Don’t worry, girls, the floaty bohemian trend of summer has made its way into autumn too- no need to retire your kimonos just yet! Although it was a far cry from the bright pink kimono I bought at the beginning of summer, teaming a brown, green and black fringy number with leathers and bodycon blacks adds a hint of sophistication and elegance. Bohemian trends might be here to stay but let’s keep the wild and colourful Woodstock element strictly for summer.
To finish off the event, both the diva and the don of the show came out in the full-on rustic look we all know so well. I was wondering when we were going to see a little bit of tweed and oilcloth! It was pretty inspirational to see once again how the simple black leather leggings and top can so seamlessly transition between the professional elegant outfit to something you might team with a chunky coat, scarf and wellies for an autumn romp around the Surrey Hills with your family. It certainly gave me ideas on how to take my single functioning items in my wardrobe and transform them into something else. Turning a scarf into a coat? Why not!
Sadly, the show was short and sweet. Many people stopped by to watch the variety of outfits on display that was hosted so charismatically by presenter Liv Kennard. With a bit of luck, Fashion Live UK will be back at the Friary Centre for another fashion show next year, this time celebrating spring/summer ’15. I would seriously recommend stopping by during your shopping trip- they’re short, sweet and packed with oodles of inspiration and ideas!
Tilly Tasker