London Fashion Week returned with an exquisite fusion of heritage craftsmanship and cutting-edge creativity. This season, designers embraced both classic refinement and daring innovation, reaffirming the city’s reputation as a global fashion powerhouse.
“Be reckless and be loud. Be determined. Be fearless.” Florence Pugh’s electrifying words at the Harris Reed Fall 2025 show set the tone for a season brimming with audacity. While the schedule was slightly pared down—missing names like Chopova Lowena and Knwls—fresh voices such as Faith Oluwajimi’s genderless label Bloke and George Keburia’s brand brought a new wave of energy. Meanwhile, platforms like Fashion East and BFC Newgen continued to spotlight emerging talent, reinforcing London’s position as both a haven for avant-garde expression and a sanctuary of refined craftsmanship.
This season at London Fashion Week was a testament to the city’s ability to balance reinvention with tradition. From Burberry’s refined restraint to Harris Reed’s theatrical grandeur, the collections celebrated the many facets of contemporary fashion—proving that in London, heritage and innovation exist in perfect harmony.
From Harris Reed’s theatrical opulence to Burberry’s quiet sophistication, this season delivered a striking spectrum of aesthetics. As the week came to a close, one message was clear: London remains a city where fashion dares to defy expectations.
Burberry: Understated Elegance Takes Center Stage
While the industry debates a return to maximalism, Burberry’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection made a compelling case for the enduring appeal of quiet luxury. Under Daniel Lee’s vision, the brand embraced impeccable tailoring and opulent textures. The show at Tate Britain opened with a monochromatic oatmeal-hued ensemble—featuring a sharply cut jacket, riding trousers, and a fringed scarf—before transitioning into a palette of rich khaki, deep brown, and warm maroon. From supple leather trenches to ornate brocades and shearling-lined outerwear, the collection exuded timeless sophistication, seamlessly bridging Burberry’s storied past with modern refinement.
Stefan Cooke: A Masterclass in Modern Tailoring
Making a triumphant return after a brief hiatus, Stefan Cooke presented Altitude, a collection rooted in authenticity and expert craftsmanship. “We just wanted to make something real,” Cooke remarked, an ethos evident in the collection’s flawless tailoring and effortless elegance. This season marked a new chapter for the brand, introducing womenswear while maintaining its signature precision. By blending structured tailoring with fluid draping, Cooke delivered a collection that felt both contemporary and timeless, proving that meticulous craftsmanship remains at the heart of his aesthetic.
Harris Reed: Opulence in Motion
Harris Reed’s Fall/Winter 2025-2026 collection, Gilded, was nothing short of a spectacle. The show opened with towering, sculptural gowns, each the result of months of meticulous fittings, hand-painting, and 3D printing. The collection radiated a golden brilliance, seen in everything from structured corsets to fluid, metallic-drenched capes that shimmered with movement. With a masterful fusion of historical grandeur and contemporary edge, Reed transformed the runway into a dazzling, gilded fantasy, solidifying his place as one of London’s most daring designers.
Simone Rocha: Romanticized Nostalgia
At Goldsmiths’ Hall, Simone Rocha delivered a deeply personal collection that reinterpreted school uniforms through her signature lens of ethereal femininity. Layers of tulle, intricate embroidery, and voluminous silhouettes paid homage to childhood nostalgia, while oversized bows, cascading ruffles, and delicate embellishments added a dreamlike quality. Rocha once again demonstrated her unique ability to weave the past into the present, creating garments that felt both tenderly familiar and refreshingly modern.