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 Posing, pouting and describing their looks, the fashion fans
proudly display their wardrobe choices for bloggers and
photographers snapping pictures of the Londoners' street style.
From the luxurious to the high street and the vintage to the
recycled, the mix of looks is what makes the British city stand
apart from fellow fashion capitals Milan, Paris and New York,
fashionistas say.
"Here you can basically create your own style and no one will
bat an eyelid," fashion blogger Zokaya Kamara, 35, said.
"No one is critical, people are appreciative of the effort that
you make. This is the best place where your individuality can
shine and be expressed and embraced ... and give inspiration to
fashionistas."
Each season editors, bloggers and buyers descend on the four
fashion capitals for the catwalk shows, but online pictures of
outfits on the pavements outside have become as key to style
followers as what is seen on the runways.
In London, which does not showcase as many major luxury brands
as the other cities but is home to famed fashion schools,
residents' edgy sartorial looks are particularly lauded.
Bloggers, students and fashion fans mill around show venues and
pose for pictures like models. On display are torn shirts worn
under belted jackets, PVC coats, floral trouser suits, vintage
dresses as well as plenty of quirky sunglasses.
"In Paris it is very strict, classical, glamorous ... here in
London you have many people throwing colors and prints," said
French fashion student Philippine Ponsar, dressed in a yellow
fringed jacket, striped top and dress wrapped around her waist.
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"Other fashion capitals have become very international and look the
same; in London, you still see the street vibes, the punk and rock,"
one Israeli fashionista, who gave her name as Cheri, said.
From colorful 1960s mini-skirts to punk, London has championed
ground-breaking styles, and is particularly known for its creative
talent. Fashion designers such as Alexander McQueen, Stella
McCartney and John Galliano all studied in London.
"London has an amazing sense of ideas and freshness," British
accessories designer Anya Hindmarch said.
"People are prepared to be different but also you look at the
streets, you go to parts of London and you see fresh raw ideas,
people experiment here and push boundaries."
Outside one fashion show, student Ella Light, 18, caught bloggers'
attention with her pink anorak, check chef's trousers and blue
circular sunglasses.
"London has quite a rock 'n' roll edge to it, like it just doesn't
care," she said. "And there is something amazing about that."
(Reporting By Marie-Louise Gumuchian and Pedro Caiado; Additional
reporting by Neil Hall; Editing by Alison Williams)
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