With the economic crisis slowly coming to an end it seems that, with a boost in the number of vegetable gardens and the Women’s Institute becoming ever popular, that people are looking much closer to home for survival. Knitting and sewing are increasingly popular with ‘stitch and bitch’ meetings taking place all over the UK, and the number of people recycling and searching for that vintage look is never ending. It seems only fitting that with this current change in culture that we look at the influential talents within the British Design industry who have remained true to their design and British roots.

 
Christopher Bailey – Creative director for Burberry since 2001, Yorkshire born Bailey has had huge creative impact on the world of fashion, winning designer of the year in 2005 and menswear designer of the year in 2007. In 2009 he led Burberry to LFW for the first time. Previous to this he was senior womenswear designer for Gucci.

 
Key Trends: Burberry A/W 10/11

The consistent theme of  Burberry A/W 10/11 is based around aviation, with oversized aviator style leather jackets with plenty of shearling. The military trend, which sprung up in many a collection this season, is evident in Burberry's pieces, the colours focusing on khaki, brown, beige and burnt umber. 

Follow this trend  by getting yourself a leather/shearling jacket and pairing it with khaki green cigarette cut trousers and chunky, leather boots.

 
Vivienne Westwood - She has been a cornerstone of British design since the 1970' s and, along with Malcolm McLaren, was largely responsible for the success of the punk revolution. Since then, she has developed her brand and become more mainstream, commercial and well loved but never forgotten her design roots.

Key Trends: Vivienne Westwood A/W 10/11

This collection is incredibly vibrant and striking, as we've come to expect from Westwood. Multi layering is a key trend within this collection as well as multi colours. Longer lengths and voluminous skirts are the way to. To replicate this trend style together layers of different colours, textures and lengths.

Julien MacDonald – After gaining a scholarship to London’s Royal College of arts and completing a masters Macdonald was recruited to work for Chanel. In 2000 he took over as chief designer at the Paris Haute Couture house of Givenchy from Alexander McQueen. In February he was announced as new judge on Britain’s next top model.

Key Trends: Julien McDonald A/W 10/11

McDonald has focused on several themes that go hand in hand for his A/W 10/11 collection. The mixture of ethereal, light fabric flowing around the models and the equestrian inspired jackets and capes work perfectly together.

Ones to Watch: Up and coming British Designers you need to keep your eye on....

Hermione De Paula - Beautiful prints, forward thinking design and overt sexuality.

Craig Lawrence - Knitwear like you've never seen before.

Fred Butler - Vibrant, creative accessories for the bolder buyer.

Tim Soar - Impeccably cut menswear.

Katie Eary - Creative and innovative menswear designs.

All in all Britain is not short of some amazing designers and the list could just keep going to include names such as Vivienne Westwood, Philip Treacy and Stella McCartney. We should be proud of the talent emerging from our country. ‘Britain is back’.

 

Words by Clare Potts and Chlo Shore. Images courtesy of Style.com.

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