Yesterday, thanks to The Body Shop, I got my very first taste of London Fashion Week as I attended the Fashion Shenzhen catwalk show at Vauxhall Fashion Scout, which focuses on showcasing new and upcoming designers. Not just did I get to see 2 very beautiful collections, but I also got to hang out with Claire from The Fashion Freak, met the lovely peeps from Glam Media, and Jaime from Boy Meets Fashion, and enjoy the different exhibitions at Somerset House.

The Fashion Shenzhen show specifically was about enabling 2 designers from Shenzhen, China, which has become a fashion metropolis in China, to present their collections to an international audience.

AUM’s SS13 collection was all about simplicity, minimalism and natural tones. It came across as aiming for ‘sustainability’ with the earthy colours and natural, light, floating jersey and linen fabrics.

Jixiang Zhai’s SS13 collection was a huge contrast to AUM’s collection – vibrant bright pinks, greens, oranges and blues colours but still featuring light fabrics like silk and satin (except for the velvet dresses). Yet again, the Chinese-oriental influence was very clear with feminine, tailored cuts, embroidery and beading details depicting flowers and other delicate patterns.

It was really cool to see Chinese fashion in this setting – I’ve never had a great understanding of Chinese designers in the big, big fashion world, but this has really opened my eyes. I really wish the show would’ve showcased even more designers from Shenzhen – they clearly know what they’re doing!!

But what a great first taste of London Fashion Week! Thanks again to The Body Shop for having me – make sure you check out their fantastic body care range!!