London Fashion Week: David Koma SS13 courtesy of Vodafone VIP

Today I was fortunate enough to attend the David Koma SS13 show at the prestigious Somerset House in London. I was lucky to win a pair of tickets through Vodafone VIP - as I am not (yet) blogging royalty this was one of the few ways I was ever going to see a show at London Fashion Week!

Somerset House is the heart of LFW, and I could feel fashion pulsing through its veins as I walked through the Strand Entrance. Bright colours, vertiginous heels, and eclectic fashion lovers busily buzzed around the gorgeous courtyard, all desperate to breath in every particle of the fashionable air! Gushing as this paragraph my seem, this is truly how Somerset House feels during LFW, and it is clear to see why London is often thought of as the fashion capital of the world.

Skirt: Topshop

Top: Zara

Belt: Viyella

Cape: F&F (bargain!)

Bag: Dooney and Bourke

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Shoes: Boutique in Islington, London

I did feel as though I should have been braver in my fashion choices for the day, and if there is a next time I will definitely try a more exciting outfit! Although, I do love my shoes!

My prize included exclusive access to the Vodafone VIP lounge, where we were treated to nibbles, champagne, watching David Koma's show from a VIP viewing platform, and the opportunity to chat to Colomba Giacomini (one of the hottest stylists around).

Pre-show my companion and I nabbed the chance to talk with Colomba. I was with my boyfriend's Mum, and Colomba complimented her on the gorgeous coat she was wearing - describing it as 'very Stella'! Big style points! She asked Colomba what she would suggest for women who were slightly older, and was delighted to find that she was spot on by going for a simple palette, such as black, and then adding one statement piece to set off the look. For a girl of my age she suggested that I could be more bold, perhaps trying out the clashing print trend that can often be difficult to pull off. But most encouragingly she revealed that next season is less about trends and more about colour, prints, and textured material, such as brocade. She was also refreshingly human when she said that it doesn't matter if you wear something that doesn't quite work, after all it is only one day of your life, and there is always tomorrow!

Now for the show! 

David Koma is a Central St. Martins graduate - one of their finest. He burst onto the fashion scene after graduating in 2009, and being awarded the Harrod's Design Award for his graduate collection. His collections have always celebrated and explored the female form, and he has become known for his contouring and sculpting. It can possibly be said that his previous collections are very 'fashion' and not so 'commercial', however, although SS13 saw his signature structured pieces, this time it was possible to see his catwalk creations walk straight into the shops.

The feeling before the show was expectant; this is a designer who always places so much time and effort into his concepts, and this consideration is greatly appreciated amongst the fashion elite. His front row was graced by Pixie Lott and her boyfriend Oliver Cheshire. The atmosphere was primed for an evocative show.

It was clear from the first outfit that David Koma's show was inspired by female tennis stars: unsurprising considering that Maria Sharapova has recently been snapped in one of his creations, and that her chewing gum brand, Sugarpova, was one of the sponsors. It was also apparent that his collection was given a 60s twist, with the gamine models, bright colours, and extremely high hemlines. Overall, it is a fabulous concept, and extremely relevant considering the recent success of British tennis and sport over the last few months.

Koma's creations screamed power, prowess and strength. The short and structured recreations of the classic tennis dress looked fierce coming down the runway. They were given a fashion twist through the use of layered organza over stiff under-material, and also through the use of strong colours. Special sporting references included the tennis-net-like material used on some of the dress, and the tennis racket handle shoes (made in collaboration with Alain Quilici). It was a wonderfully chic homage to sporting women and strong women alike, and Koma could not have released a more appropriate collection considering that the nation is still pining after the end of the Olympics and Paralympics.

The collection looked particularly spectacular during the finale of the show, when the audience could see Koma's creations altogether, and could see the story that they told.

So, here are some of my favourite looks from the show, (taken from Vogue's website as my camera simply isn't good enough!):

David Koma's show was an absolute triumph. I have a feeling that his tennis-influenced dresses will be copied by many a highstreet store - as was his peplum design from the AW12 show back in February. The show, combined with Colomba's advice, inspired me to inject some more colour into my wardrobe, and I can't wait to hit the shops to try out my new found enthusiasm for trying something new!

Thank you Vodafone VIP, and thank you David Koma. It truly was a wonderful experience!

Love Lucy x