Last year I got a very exciting email through my freelance business, asking if I was free to stand in as social media manager for Hunter Wellingtons. It was a month-long contract and I jumped at the chance to work with such an iconic brand.

7 months later I eventually handed the account over to Hunter’s new in-house social media manager, just in time for their stunning debut at London Fashion Week. While I worked on the social media the brand went through a huge change, from purveyor of traditional countryside wellies to an all-encompassing lifestyle brand for those who want style as well as substance. When my invite for the show came through I was dying to see how this new vision would play out on the catwalk.

The venue was absolutely packed full – Anna Wintour and Stella McCartney sat taking selfies on the front row while Dynamo performed magic tricks for Jessie J and Katy B. Every single person working on the show was wearing wellies – the PRs and doorman wore them as they waded across the catwalk – an actual stream that ran through trees seemingly growing from the ground – to seat guests. It was a true spectacle and amazing to see.

The collection was just fantastic. Inspired by ‘expeditions into the final frontiers of the deep sea and outer space’, neon parkas, rubber raincoats and a range of wellies – from the classic tall boots to cute heeled versions – came stomping through the water. I loved the colour themes, which ranged from subtle purples to eye-searing yellows.

After the final walk, the models appeared behind the trees at the top of the catwalk and we watched in awe as magician Dynamo seemed to levitate among them, before the whole lot disappeared and playing cards fluttered down from the sky. An amazing experience and a brilliant introduction to a whole new chapter for Hunter.

All images taken with the Panasonic LumixGM1.

Oh, Orla. How I love you!

The Orla Kiely presentation is one of the most blogger-friendly at London Fashion Week – it never feels pretentious or overly ‘fashiony’, everyone’s super friendly and the clothing are always very wearable. It’s my favourite event of the Fashion Week calendar and after missing last season, I was doubly excited to see what AW14 had to offer.

The presentation was held at the old Central Saint Martins Building on Southampton Row – a cavernous space with arching ceilings and bouncing light. We were seated on benches around a very Singin’ in the Rain-esque set, and cups of tea and coffee were handed out as we waited. See what I mean about super friendly?

The collection was actually inspired by another musical – The Umbrellas of Cherbourg – as well as 60s British singers Petula Clark, Cilla Black and Sandie Shaw. The theme was ‘raining cats and dogs’ and as the models wandered in (Orla models always wander, never stomp – a whimsical touch that fits so perfectly with the brand), a soundtrack of drip-drip-drops, barks and meows started up.

Orla has resisted the twee backlash seen across the fashion industry and stayed true to her feminine aesthetic. For AW14, adorable prints like ‘Spot the Dog’, ‘Ditsy Cat’, ‘Giant Snowdrop’ and ‘Flower Power Jacquard’ were splashed across plush velvets, tweed, teddy bear wool and curly shearling.

The shoes were particularly interesting for me – Orla Kiely has recently collaborated with Clarks to product an affordable (and comfortable – I LOVE Clarks heels!) range of heels and flats for SS14. I wasn’t too keen on the plasticky 60s platforms from the summer collection, but this more autumnal range was right up my street. Blocky heels in rich burgundy and shiny black – gorgeous!

We were also treated to a beautiful live performance from this talented lady (whose name I cannot find), and much aaaahhing was heard when a fluffy friend came out for his turn in the spotlight.

A wonderful, wearable and beautiful collection presented in Orla’s supremely creative way – can’t wait for the next one!

 All images taken with the Panasonic LumixGM1.

Day two at London Fashion Week – done! Saturday was my busiest day with a schedule of shows, street styling and hobbling about on two-days-in-heels feet. Here’s what I got up to…

Dress, Whistles | Jumper, H&M | Necklace, Primark | Bag, c/o Brit-Stitch | Belt, Forever 21 | Heels, M&S

On day two I wore a pretty pink Whistles dress with a cropped jumper and messy heidi braid hair. Still loving my M&S stiletto boots, although I think I deserve the comfort of my Nike Frees for tomorrow!

There were lots of different looks in the shows today – from elegant sparkles at Zeynep Kartal to bold, graphics prints at Belle Sauvage.

Detail of the day – I loved the cute, fez-style hats with bejewelled embellishment at Belle Sauvage.

Away from Fashion Scout and Freemason’s Hall, I also went to Orla Kiely (beautiful) and Hunter Originals (brilliant). More on those shows tomorrow!

All images taken with the Panasonic LumixGM1.

I’d never been to a Pam Hogg show before, but the excitement in the air as show time drew nearer told me I was in for a treat. Sitting on the front row, I watched London’s coolest famous people take their seats – Bobby Gillespie sat casually just across from me, and Noel Fielding’s seat was next-door-but-one (although someone who definitely wasn’t him sat in it eventually).

The collection was dedicated to Pussy Riot and a protest against Russia’s gay rights. It was a celebration of difference – plus-size models and drag queens owned the catwalk while The Vibrators’ Disco in Moscow and DrunkTank’s Mother Russia blasted out.

The collection was exactly what I usually dislike about Fashion Week – totally crazy, off-the-wall creations that have no real bearing on everyday life. But it was a collection bursting with joy – riotous colours, blooming florals, sparkles, nakedness, massive headpieces.. nothing was remotely wearable but it was all so beautiful.

I just wish I wasn’t already married so I could wear this dress on my wedding day! 😉

The show was a welcome departure from the usual stony-faced seriousness of Fashion Week. It was great to see models of all shapes, sizes, colours and ages storm past with a fierceness usually reserved for Beyoncé, and there were hollers and whoops from the crowd throughout. A hugely enjoyable experience.

  All images taken with the Panasonic LumixGM1.

I often find high fashion collections dramatic, over-the-top and a bit, well… ridiculous. I can appreciate great craftsmanship and an eye for beautiful design but sometimes it can be hard to see how some collections could ever exist in my own wardrobe.

Taking my seat at Ong-Oaj Pairam at Fashion Scout yesterday, I didn’t know what to expect. I’m not familiar with the designer, and the presence of three Made in Chelsea stars on the front row made me a little nervous… but as the models whisked their way down the beautiful decorated floor at Freemason’s Hall, I fell in love. And not with the MiC lot.

Skinny printed trousers, bright leather jackets and sweeping chiffon gowns – every single piece was wonderfully wearable.

Just look at those lines! It was a collection seemingly made for my size 12 frame – statement coats with nipped in waists, satin pencil skirts and floaty colour-block dresses were all designed to fit and flatter the female form.

I loved everything about the collection – not only the clothing but the amazing beehive hair and metallic heels. Definitely my favourite so far.

All images taken with the Panasonic LumixGM1.