London Fashion Week September 2012

As per every second week in February/September, the London streets are abuzz with the excitement of Fashion Week. What will we be wearing next spring (or for the die-hard followers of fashion, in January)? Which designers will have the stand out collections? And who are the new names to watch over the next few seasons.

Melissa herself has lots going on - with a few top-secret (and very exciting projects) taking off at the moment, and her own 2012 collection recently launched, however she did make it down to Portland Road to watch good friend & recent collaborator Julian Macdonald's RTW show where she was sat next to none other than GMTV's own lovely Lorraine Kelly (who has become something of a front row regular!), Mark Hayes and the gorgeous Eliza Doolittle (see pictures). Julian's collection was a huge success - with him making the front page of The Independent on Sunday - but saw him taking a slightly different direction than usual, with deconstructed tailoring, futuristic knits in plastic yarns & super-fierce models treading the catwalk. He then ended with some amazingly intricate beaded evening gowns that he does SO well...definitely on the wishlist, and as Melissa said, should be in a museum the beading was so incredible! Following the show, Melissa headed backstage to congratulate Julian, where the champagne was flowing and everyone from Hollywood actress Rosario Dawson to celebrity stylist and good friend Grace Woodward were there to do the same. She also had a chance to catch up with Bianca Jagger, whose style she loves, it being that she wears beautiful kaftans day and night. Rounding off with an interview for Fashion TV, she then headed off to something a  little quieter in the form of brunch with her family.

Saturday night saw the opening night of the new Roberto Cavalli store on Sloane Street, hosted by Roberto and wife Eva, who were very excited to say the least. Another who's who evening, Eva Herzigova, Holly Valance & Rosario Dawson were all there, as were girl-group The Saturdays, and everyone was, of course, decked out in Cavalli pieces...although Melissa went against the grain and wore a fabulous dress from her own collection! the party then moved on to Battersea Power station where none other than the amazing Kelis took to the stage and Melissa partied with Mr. Hudson & Charlie Speed, while The Box provided the entertainment in the form of Cirque du Soleil style acrobatics by immacualtely turned out performers.

Sunday was the event most people in the fashion industry have pencilled into their diary - The Harpers Bazaar Party, at The Saville Row Club. Henry Holland took to the decks and again, Melissa wore one of her own pieces, which got lots of compliments (keep an eye out for her next RTW collection, you will not be disappointed!) throughout the evening, although like Cinderella, she had to be home before heading off to a Paris trade show on Monday morning at a ridiculous hour (although she did manage to squeeze in a bit of Downton Abbey before bed!).