London Fashion Week: Day 3

Sunshine yellow on the runway for Mulberry’s seaside carnival; Charlotte Olympia’s adorable retro poolside glamour.

Day 3 could not have been more fun. We began the day with Margaret Howell’s unshowy loveliness (her shows are always held in her boutique, and are all about breton stripes and chic relaxed tailoring) before racing off to Claridges for Mulberry. There is never any doubt that I will love Mulberry’s shows, but when I saw an ice cream van parked outside the venue (serving Mulberry flavoured ice cream, naturally) and a thousand inflatable animal balloons greeting us upon entry, I knew instantly I would adore the retro seaside funfair theme they had going on this year (sitting opposite Kate Moss didn’t hurt my excitement levels either).

After that, it was on to Richard Nicholl, whose show was a fun view of 60s futurism in shades of blue and blush pvc and silk chiffon. Nicole Farhi’s floral extravaganza (showing, appropriately enough, at the Royal Horticultural Society) was lovely, but if I were honest, I’d tell you I spent the whole show time blushing over the fact that my stockings had decided to spontaneously ladder as I walked past Anna Wintour (those who know fashion know the fear this would incite, even with new season Miu Miu-clad feet).

Charlotte Olympia’s salon show was as much of a treat as last season – the models draping themselves across deck chairs as though sunning themselves poolside in Miami, circa 1960. Then it was on to Topshop Unique in the old Eurostar terminal at Waterloo, to Marios Schwab, and to Matthew Williamson in the most jaw-dropping locale of the week thus far – the turbine hall at the Tate Modern. And it being Fashion Week, the day wouldn’t be complete without a soiree or three, so it was off to the Saville Club to kick up our heels with Glenda Bailey and Harpers Bazaar before carnival games, cocktails, and some dancing to the Hurts at the Mulberry party.

Backstage at Topshop Unique before the show; feathered coral party dresses at Matthew Williamson; 60s futurism in shades of blue at Richard Nicholl.

What have been your highlights from Fashion Week so far?