London Fashion Week 2024 showcased the creativity and innovation of designers, leaving attendees in awe.
- Jawara Alleyne captured attention with his unique fusion of Caribbean heritage and London subculture in his daring show.
- Knwls elevated its signature style with an elegant twist, featuring floral dresses and a stunning bridal gown.
- Marques’Almeida delivered a contemporary take on 17th-century Dutch portraits, blending raw designs with modern aesthetics.
- Richard Quinn’s show was a visual and auditory spectacle, combining intricate designs with classical music performances.
London Fashion Week 2024 concluded recently, bringing forth a series of remarkable shows that highlighted the diverse creativity of several designers. Jawara Alleyne, a favorite among fashion enthusiasts and known for his connection to Rihanna, presented his collection ‘Island Underground.’ The show, set against moody red lighting, was a unique blend of Alleyne’s Cayman Islands roots and London’s raw subculture. Attendees were captivated by models adorned with fabric, safety pins, and beads, some carrying driftwood and brass instruments, encapsulating a narrative of individuality and self-expression.
Knwls transported its audience back to the old Central Saint Martins’ campus with a catwalk under a glass ceiling. The collection maintained the brand’s core aesthetics of leather and corsetry but introduced an elevated style with sheer floral dresses and fascinators. The grand finale, a beautifully constructed bridal gown, signified the maturity of the Knwls style, evolving the brand’s Y2K image into something more refined.
At St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden, Marques’Almeida presented a collection inspired by 17th-century Dutch portraits. The show juxtaposed raw hem denim and floral brocades with contemporary elements, resulting in a fiercely modern and subversive ensemble. The use of structural jackets and satin pieces, paired with unusual accessories like shearling jackets and wide-legged jeans, demonstrated a ‘tight and loose’ aesthetic that resonated with modern fashion trends.
Edeline Lee’s first-ever London Fashion Week catwalk was a testament to functionality and elegance. Known for providing chic attire for women with busy schedules, Lee’s collection was practical yet stylish, showcased through models walking dogs and reading newspapers. The introduction of a kidswear line, accented by children holding balloons, added a playful touch to the presentation.
Ashley Williams chose a more intimate venue and delivered a collection with her signature twisted femininity. Floral combs adorned long wigs, and the innocent appearance of white bunny patterns quickly turned dark with motifs of gunshot wounds and gun prints across various outfits. This dichotomy expressed the complexities of modern femininity, continuing the themes from her previous seasons.
Richard Quinn made a lasting impression with a show set in the opulent surroundings of The Dorchester hotel. The audience, treated to classical renditions of rock songs, witnessed Quinn’s signature flourishes, like intricate beads and romantic ruffles. The standout piece was a bridal look composed entirely of silver beads, epitomizing the designer’s commitment to decadence.
Labrum’s SS25 show took place at the iconic Emirates Stadium, reflecting the brand’s connection to Arsenal, whose kit they designed. The collection featured West African influences, strong tailoring, and shell-adorned accessories. Foday Dumbaya, the brand’s founder and an Arsenal fan, emphasized an immigrant’s perspective in design, culminating in a unique version of Adidas’s iconic sneaker.
London Fashion Week 2024 was a testament to fashion’s evolving narratives, combining tradition, innovation, and individuality.
