London Fashion Week started with hot weather and ended with heavy rain and thunderstorms. The week had a mix of excitement for big shows like Burberry and disappointment as some brands canceled their shows.
The week began with a new tradition, similar to the Met Gala in the US, organized by Anna Wintour to support London’s performing arts centers. Celebrities like Sienna Miller and Jodie Turner-Smith attended.
Throughout the week, more famous faces like Cole Sprouse, Suki Waterhouse, and Charli XCX were seen at various fashion events.
Controversial choices also made headlines. Burberry renamed a London Underground station to “Burberry Street,” causing confusion for tourists. Designer Mowalola faced criticism for using the Saudi Arabian flag on a mini skirt.
Here are some trends from the London Fashion Week:
- Sculptural Fashion: Some designers showcased looks that were more like art pieces than clothes. For example, HARRI had balloon trousers, JW Anderson featured clay-made hoodies and shorts, and KWK by Kwok created giant, futuristic flower-like skirts.
- Unique Footwear: Footwear took center stage with Simone Rocha collaborating with Crocs to create platform sandals adorned with pearls. Other designers included Crocs and unique lace-up boots.
- David Lynch and David Cronenberg: Many designers drew inspiration from avant-garde film directors David Lynch and David Cronenberg. 16Arlington’s collection was influenced by Lynch’s “Lost Highway,” while Mowalola’s show referenced Cronenberg’s “Crash.”
- Vintage-inspired Party Dresses: Designers like Richard Quinn and Molly Goddard took inspiration from different eras for their collections. Richard Quinn’s mini dress resembled a Rococo ball gown, while Molly Goddard showcased looks from the 1920s to the 1950s.
- Sheer Fabrics: Dark romance was a theme at Simone Rocha, while Susan Fang introduced “air-weave smocking” with layers of sheer fabric. Sheer tulle and lace were also seen at Erdem, David Koma, and Burberry.
- Beading: Beading was a prominent feature in various collections, from slip dresses at Erdem to elaborate headpieces at Simone Rocha and Di Petsa. Susan Fang used handcrafted bead trees and accessories in her collection.
These trends highlighted the diversity and creativity of London Fashion Week.