NYC vs LDN Fashion

I landed on these London shores from New York City nearly two years ago and my life hasn’t been the same since.  I’ve been forced to step out of my comfort zone in relation to many things, fashion being the greatest of them all.

Polished, controlled, sophisticated, tough – all adjectives often used to describe New York City fashion. Ralph Lauren, a New York City native, is famous for creating clean and classic designs, with his Polo Oxford shirts being a staple in the wardrobes of many. New Yorkers generally favour sleek and uncomplicated designs; and relative newcomers Proenza Schouler epitomize this with their minimalistic construction and dark, neutral tones.

I find London fashion cutting edge, in your face, edgy and sometimes even slightly scary. At times I think it’s even downright reckless, and that truly makes it so fresh and interesting. British designer Gareth Pugh unapologetically experiments with volume, PVC and masks. Vivienne Westwood makes her politics known at every show and proudly sends her models down the runway in hot pink kilts or crowns made out of paper.

New York socialites like Olivia Palermo and Genevieve Jones embody NYC class and style. Spotted only at highbrow parties with neatly manicured nails, size zero frocks and perfectly coiffed hair, they have the look that fashionable New York women aspire to.

While London it girls Pixie Geldof and Daisy Lowe undoubtedly possess a grungier and, shall I even say, dirtier sense of style. Either one of them could easily be spotted stumbling out of a club in denim cutoffs, smudged eyeliner and tousled hair. 

Although, NYC is considered the fashion capital of the world, we begrudgingly love British fashion and two of our biggest inspirations are London it-girls Kate Moss and Sienna Miller whose perfectly undone looks we secretly admire and covet. 
 
I’ve always thought that Londoners were quite reserved, and they may just be in every way, except for fashion. I personally wouldn’t try some of the daring trends, but I certainly don’t mind sitting back and admiring them, for when London’s creativity is unleashed you best pay attention.