Still helmed as one of the most important fashion weeks of them all, this year was likely to be spectacular—not only by virtue of the incredible designers, production crews and creatives who take part, but also given long awaited distance away from the pandemic.
Although nestled in a time of financial crisis, this year managed to dazzle with bold creativity, sustainable initiatives, and further inclusivity. Tone deaf? Hardly. Because this year, even the couture designers showed up by toning down—albeit sometimes only a little.
SIMONE ROCHA
(Photo by Ben Broomfield)
Serving as a vibrant and ever-evolving source of style inspiration, its ability to showcase a diverse range of designers, both established and emerging who come together to present their unique visions on the catwalks of St Martin in the Fields, Royal Horticultural Halls, St Cyprian’s Church and many more, transcends beyond the runways.
London sets the stage for LFW with its dynamic energy and vibrant street style throughout the city. It’s not just about clothing, but about self-expression, artistry, and cultural exchange.
REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion at the Design Museum, London
REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion—having opened to coincide with London Fashion Week and described by The Telegraph as ‘a scintillating celebration of the people who make London so chic’—has further propelled this year’s celebration to major heights. But it has not been without backlash.
Burberry’s takeover of Bond Street raised accessibility questions blended with comments along the lines of ‘sheer brilliance’ and in general, the industry’s need for substantial changes is still a key part of fashion weeks globally. Therefore it was perhaps more surprising that digital was less present than expected, although at its most basic, the digital viewings of LFW shows — digital wasn’t exactly that far away. The redeeming factor? In general, numerous collections achieved a balance between wearability and the distinctiveness essential for make an impression. From Tove to Molly Goddard and even Simone Rocha, the consumer was at the heart of collections but never shy of never shy of form and texture play, stunning examples of craftsmanship and design, and streaks of minimalism vs maximalism.
BURBERRY
(Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP / via Getty Images)
Vogue World, the highly anticipated event of the week (also Live-streamed), designed to raise funds for British arts organisations, proved to be a success. The Fusing of music, theatre, dance and fashion and adapted for shorter attention spans.
LFW is a big reminder that once again, is that London Fashion Week’s own fabric—a metaphorical cloth woven from storytelling and aesthetic, becomes the foundation for much of the industry’s impetus.
“Masterminded by BAFTA- and Olivier-winning director Stephen Daldry, show director Emily Burns, and creative producer Fran Miller, alongside the Vogue team, the evening ran the gamut of the performing arts—opera and ballet and theater, oh my—with turns from a galaxy of stars ranging from Kate Moss to Sophie Okonedo, Ian McKellen to Stormzy.” – Vogue.com
Marianna Michael 