LFW Day 4: Where's all the Drama?

Zara Jumper | Zara Skirt | Zara Bag | Zara Shoes | Topshop Sunglasses

photos by Atosa Nikkhah

Ignoring the issue that I am a massive slob and manage to spill things/sit on things/generally make a mess of any pristinely white garment, I'm still somewhat overjoyed that the white-on-white trend seems set to stay with us all the way through until the end of Spring/Summer 15. Thanks to Bora Aksu, Issa, Temperley and Jonathan Saunders, LFW had a distinctively clinical tone. The stark purity and minimalism of white has me pining for a yacht party off the South of France, and the leaves have only just began to turn my favourite shade of burnt orange.
This was my last day at LFW as the next day was spent back in the office at The Times, but I couldn't help notice that over the four days there was the lack of drama in the shows. Everything was just a bit normal (i.e. wearable) really.  Eudon Choi showcased relaxed tailoring in navy and beige, Burberry had denim jackets, and practically every other designer sent his models walking down the catwalk in flat shoes.
Basically, I didn't actually see anything that made me think "WTF?"
Even the most dramatic line-ups were elementally understated: Tom Ford may have had sequinned nipple pasties paired with completely sheer glistening baby-doll dresses, but these were all heavily dominated and outnumbered by the long flared suit trousers and tux jackets and flowing maxi skirts. I can't help but wonder if Normcore has something to do with it. The baggy shirt and jumper combo, the ripped jeans and flat shoes: it's as if the 'easy and effortless' tag that we have pinned to comfort dressing to make it seem cool again has infiltrated all aspects of fashion week.
Even the street style was distinctively more relaxed in comparison to other seasons, with New Balance and Birkenstocks being favoured over high pointed court shoes with a multitude of leg-straps. This laidback approach to dressing was mirrored not only through the designers collections but in the the lack of street style photographers. Who wants to photograph the norm? It seems that the never ending parade of peacocks at Somerset House has slowly began to dwindle, which in fairness is quite refreshing. At least it strips fashion week back to what it really is.
Is the drama of fashion week really dead? It'll be interesting to see what February 2015 holds...