Julien Macdonald’s Autumn Winter 16 Collection will take your breath away

If you were to venture through North Audley Street yesterday at around 2pm, the fairly quiet street would have held no clue to the wonder that was going on through the ornately decorated doors of One Mayfair. The only signs perhaps, a few abandoned London Fashion Week tickets, stray paparazzi hoping for another shot or the faint scent of perfume, hairspray and designer-luxury lingering in the air.

For this venue was host to one of the most spectacular London Fashion Week shows – Julien Macdonald. Bringing a fun-filled shot of glamour to a rainy London, everyone from Millie Mackintosh to Yasmin Le Bon turned up to show their support for the designer.  Encompassing the monochromatic mission statement Macdonald is known for expressing, this collection was nothing sort of breathtaking.

The 2001 “Best fashion designer of the year” pulled out all the stops for his Autumn collection, providing a myriad of red-carpet worthy and simply awe-inspiring pieces. From backless high-shine and slash front dresses  to his signature beaded, fish-scale finish designs, many a creation invigorated gasps from the crowd.
For Macdonald has that something special, whereby he creates dazzling art that is enticingly addictive- no matter how many times you look at it you can’t quite tear your eyes away. Yet this is an art form that is wearable and beautifully so. His knitwear is woven so deftly and skillfully, so supple and fluid you can sometimes forget it’s even there.

Menswear took a nod towards a tougher-stance, army badges attached to military jackets, strikes of leather, wide belts, zip embellishments and striking collars. Dapper blazers and shirts were jazzed up and embellished with buttons and slashes and there were some wonderfully eclectic patterns thrown into the mix. All offered a real theme of empowerment and vigor- this is a force not to be reckoned with.

One real highlight to the show was Macdonald’s reveal of his new childrenswear clothing line.  Two angelic-faced children took to the catwalk hand in hand with a beautiful glittering bride, debuting pieces from his new kids collection called Smile – a collaboration with high-street label Mothercare. It’s not often youngsters steal the show, but the ethereal beauty of these pieces were a real highlight. This collection launches on April 20 and will range from £10-£50.

After a breathtaking finale whereby all models congregated at the altar, there was an hushed sense of appreciation for what had just been witnessed.

One thing is for sure Macdonald simply gets better and better.