London Fashion Week - Paul Costelloe

​I stood in line outside of the posh Waldorf hotel waiting on the evening of the first day of London fashion week. Like the rest of the attendees in line to the Paul Costello show my feet were sore and I was wondering if I faked being a guest at the hotel if I could wait in the lobby.
 
When the doors did open I was escorted through the hotel to the grand multiple level room where the show would take place and offered a glass of champagne. (If I drank champagne and took it whenever offered at fashion week, then I wouldn’t remember fashion week.)
 
The energy in the room quickly grew to excitement as more people flowed in, thanks to the warmth, the start of the show, and that the first day was nearly done which either meant after parties or bed.
 
I took my seat and the hush feel over the room, as it always does before the music and the clicks of cameras begin. 

​Paul Costelloe described the collection to be influenced by the ladies in the 16th century, specifically the ladies in waiting of Henry VIII. This influence was most visible through the use of big statement sleeves, which have been seen on the runways for the last few seasons. A sea of classic white blouses was also presented in the middle of the show.
 
Paul Costelloe is a brand that has a great deal of heritage that is always present in the collections through tartans and strong collared jackets. However, the 60s and 70s influence, which has been all over everywhere, seeped through with colourful off the shoulder mini-dresses paired with pink and orange tights. 

My favourite features of the collection were the hooded dresses. A furry hood was added to capes and even an evening gown to give the collection a sense of whimsical playfulness. 

​The music of the show matched the man creating it, a little old school but still with lots of life. You could tell Costelloe loves what he creates by how he danced with and spun the models as the show came to a close. 

Check out the rest of the imagery and looks from the show here.