Designers champion eccentricity, heritage at London Fashion Week

A model presents a creation from Topshop Unique Autumn/Winter 2014 collection during London Fashion Week February 16, 2014.[Photo/Agencies]

Eastern flavor, international style

Runway dream

Paul Smith, who has worked in the industry for more than 40 years, clothed models in silk-printed pajama tops and jackets, loosely fitted trousers and metallic colored knitwear.

Inspired by an era before big brand clothing stores dominated the high street, Smith drew on his recollections of the 1960s when Britons made eccentric fashion statements.

Full-length dressing gown coats and fitted pencil skirts in shades of grey, dusty pink, ochre and olive green also featured in Smith's autumn/winter 2014 collection, alongside fluffy gilets and printed scarves.

Retail clothing chain Topshop used traditional English materials such as shearling wool for its gilets and jackets, alongside organza and chiffons embellished with sequins to create a edgy rebellious look.

Models wore long thick coats draped off the shoulder, in bright blue and lemon yellow, as well as long flared skirts and cropped knitted jumpers.