London Fashion Week is officially here - and if you're familiar with it (which I highly suspect you already are), you'll know it comes with a plethora of events and runway shows showcasing the very best in fashion. What I didn't have on my fashion week bingo card this year, however, was M&S - the high street hero that is due to make its London Fashion Week debut this evening (18 September).
It would be an understatement to say that M&S has come a long way from its roots at Kirkgate Market, Leeds. Today, it's a global brand that has firmly established itself as a fashionable retailer, and to celebrate 100 years in the fashion industry, the high street favourite has teamed up with the British Fashion Council to bring its clothes to life on the London Fashion Week schedule.
Speaking about the milestone, M&S CEO Stuart Machin said the brand is committed to making fashion accessible, adding: "That's why we will stream our show, bringing one of the world's leading fashion weeks and the magic of M&S to everybody."
But before the clothes hit the runway, you can already add them to your virtual basket. Brimming with pieces that could easily be mistaken for designer, from a herringbone tweed two piece suit that captures M&S's quintessentially British charm to a selection of jackets that showcase the brilliance of its ever-growing outerwear offering, the collection is packed with standouts. There is, however, one piece that immediately caught my eye because it looks like it could have been plucked straight from a luxury runway - the Sheer Pleated High Neck Blouse.
Per Una Sheer Pleated High Neck Blouse
Designed with boho charm in mind, the sheer blouse from M&S's Per Una range looks like something you'd expect to see at Chloé. Featuring airy, floaty sleeves and delicate pleat detailing for an extra touch of luxury, it's easy to see the influence of Chemena Kamali's style.
Easy to wear, it'll work with a plethora of pieces already hanging in your wardrobe. I'd style it with a pair of '70s-inspired flared jeans for a true nod to the designer label, finished with camel block heel boots. The sheer fabric also makes it ideal for layering, but don't be put off by the word 'sheer' - you can layer it to your heart's content if you want to look chic while feeling completely confident.
Unsurprisingly, this drop has already started to sell out, even before it has hit the catwalk. So, if you'd like to emulate high fashion at a seriously affordable price, I'd suggest snapping it up while you still can.
