London Fashion Week A/W 2025 Highlights: S.S. Daley to Fashion East

London Fashion Week A/W 2025 Highlights: S.S. Daley to Fashion East

London Fashion Week A/W 2025 Highlights: S.S. Daley to Fashion East

Standout moments from London Fashion Week A/W 2025

London Fashion Week A/W 2025 delivered a season rich in creativity, with designers pushing boundaries and redefining contemporary style. From theatrical runway presentations to deeply personal collections, this year’s event was a testament to the resilience and innovation of British fashion.

One of the most talked-about moments came from Richard Quinn, who once again proved his mastery of drama and opulence. His collection featured voluminous silhouettes, intricate floral embroidery, and a striking monochrome palette punctuated by bursts of vivid colour. The show’s finale, a cascade of models draped in sculptural gowns, left the audience in awe.

Meanwhile, Simone Rocha continued to explore her signature romanticism with a collection inspired by Victorian mourning attire. Layers of delicate lace, pearl embellishments, and oversized bows created a hauntingly beautiful aesthetic. Rocha’s ability to blend historical references with modern sensibilities made her show one of the most memorable of the week.

Menswear also had its moment, with Martine Rose delivering a collection that blurred the lines between streetwear and tailoring. Oversized blazers, exaggerated proportions, and unexpected fabric pairings showcased Rose’s ability to challenge traditional menswear codes while maintaining a sense of wearability.

Another highlight was Burberry’s latest offering under the creative direction of Daniel Lee. The collection paid homage to the brand’s heritage while injecting a fresh, contemporary energy. Trench coats were reimagined with bold textures and unexpected cuts, while accessories—particularly oversized scarves and structured handbags—became statement pieces in their own right.

Beyond the runway, the week was also marked by a renewed focus on sustainability. Several designers incorporated upcycled materials and ethical production methods into their collections, reflecting a growing commitment to responsible fashion. This shift towards sustainability was particularly evident in the work of emerging designers, who are increasingly prioritising environmental consciousness in their creative processes.

With a mix of established names and rising stars, London Fashion Week A/W 2025 reaffirmed the city’s status as a global fashion capital. The season’s standout moments not only celebrated craftsmanship and innovation but also set the tone for the future of fashion.

S.S. Daley’s tribute to Marianne Faithfull

S.S. Daley’s A/W 2025 collection was a heartfelt tribute to Marianne Faithfull, the iconic singer, actress, and muse whose influence on British culture remains profound. Known for his deeply personal approach to design, Daley crafted a collection that captured Faithfull’s rebellious spirit, blending elements of 1960s bohemianism with his signature tailoring.

The show opened with a series of looks that evoked Faithfull’s early years—soft, androgynous silhouettes in muted tones of camel, navy, and ivory. Oversized wool coats, reminiscent of the ones she wore in the Swinging Sixties, were layered over delicate lace blouses and high-waisted trousers. The styling felt effortless yet intentional, a nod to Faithfull’s ability to exude elegance without artifice.

As the collection progressed, Daley introduced more theatrical elements, reflecting the turbulence and reinvention that defined Faithfull’s career. Flowing chiffon dresses in deep burgundy and forest green recalled her dramatic stage presence, while structured velvet suits paid homage to her later years as a rock and roll icon. The juxtaposition of softness and strength was a recurring theme, mirroring Faithfull’s own journey through fame, adversity, and artistic reinvention.

One of the most striking pieces was a floor-length coat embroidered with handwritten lyrics from Faithfull’s songbook. The intricate detailing, combined with Daley’s expert tailoring, transformed the garment into a wearable piece of poetry. Accessories also played a key role in the collection—silk scarves tied loosely around the neck, knee-high leather boots, and oversized sunglasses all contributed to the sense of nostalgia while remaining undeniably modern.

The soundtrack, a carefully curated mix of Faithfull’s music, added to the immersive experience. As models walked the runway to the haunting strains of ‘As Tears Go By’ and ‘Broken English,’ the audience was transported into the world of a woman who defied expectations and redefined femininity on her own terms.

Daley’s tribute was more than just a fashion collection; it was a love letter to an artist whose influence continues to resonate. By weaving elements of Faithfull’s style and story into his designs, he created a collection that felt both deeply personal and universally compelling. It was a reminder that fashion, at its best, is not just about clothing—it’s about storytelling, emotion, and the enduring power of icons.

Fresh talent from Fashion East

Fashion East once again proved to be the beating heart of emerging talent at London Fashion Week A/W 2025, offering a platform for the next generation of designers to showcase their vision. This season’s lineup brought a fresh perspective to the runway, with each designer presenting collections that felt bold, experimental, and deeply personal.

One of the standout names this season was Johanna Parv, whose utilitarian approach to womenswear continued to evolve in exciting ways. Her collection fused technical outerwear with elegant tailoring, creating pieces that felt both functional and refined. Parv’s signature cycling-inspired silhouettes were reimagined with exaggerated proportions, cinched waists, and unexpected fabric choices, reinforcing her ability to merge practicality with high fashion.

Meanwhile, Karoline Vitto made a powerful statement with her body-positive designs, celebrating curves and inclusivity through sculptural silhouettes and innovative cut-outs. Her use of structured jersey and metal hardware created a striking contrast between softness and strength, challenging conventional beauty standards while maintaining a sense of sensuality. The collection’s emphasis on fluidity and movement ensured that each piece felt empowering rather than restrictive.

Standing in stark contrast was Standing Ground, the label helmed by Michael Stewart, which delivered a collection rooted in architectural precision. Draped jersey gowns in rich jewel tones hugged the body with an almost sculptural quality, evoking a sense of timeless elegance. Stewart’s ability to balance minimalism with drama made his collection one of the most talked-about debuts of the season.

Beyond the individual collections, what made this season’s Fashion East showcase particularly compelling was the shared commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. Many of the designers incorporated sustainable practices into their work, whether through upcycled fabrics, ethical production methods, or a focus on longevity over trend-driven fashion. This conscious approach signalled a shift in the industry, with young designers leading the charge towards a more responsible future.

As always, Fashion East provided a glimpse into the future of fashion, proving that London remains a hotbed for creativity and new ideas. With such a diverse and dynamic group of designers making their mark, the A/W 2025 showcase reaffirmed the importance of nurturing emerging talent and pushing the boundaries of what fashion can be.

Standout moments from London Fashion Week A/W 2025

London Fashion Week A/W 2025 delivered a season brimming with theatricality, craftsmanship, and a fresh perspective on British heritage. Designers embraced bold statements, reimagined classics, and introduced a new wave of talent that is set to shape the future of fashion.

One of the most talked-about moments came from Richard Quinn, who once again proved his mastery of drama. His collection was a symphony of opulence—voluminous silhouettes, intricate embroidery, and a darkly romantic edge that felt both regal and rebellious. The designer’s signature florals were reworked in exaggerated proportions, layered over structured gowns that commanded attention.

Burberry, under Daniel Lee’s creative direction, continued its evolution with a collection that balanced tradition and modernity. The house’s iconic trench coat was deconstructed and reimagined in unexpected textures, while bold colour blocking and oversized outerwear gave a fresh energy to the brand’s heritage. Lee’s approach to British style felt effortless yet directional, reinforcing Burberry’s place at the forefront of contemporary luxury.

Meanwhile, Simone Rocha delivered a collection that was both ethereal and subversive. Delicate lace and tulle were juxtaposed with structured tailoring, creating a tension between fragility and strength. Her signature pearl embellishments took on a sculptural quality, adorning everything from oversized coats to sheer dresses, making for a collection that was as poetic as it was powerful.

Emerging talent also made a strong impression, with Fashion East’s latest cohort pushing boundaries in both design and storytelling. From experimental silhouettes to innovative fabrications, these young designers brought a fearless energy to the runway, proving that London remains a breeding ground for the next generation of fashion disruptors.

With a season defined by bold reinvention and a deep respect for craftsmanship, London Fashion Week A/W 2025 reaffirmed its reputation as a global fashion capital—one that continues to inspire and challenge the industry.

S.S. Daley’s tribute to Marianne Faithfull and emerging talent

Steven Stokey-Daley’s latest collection was a heartfelt tribute to Marianne Faithfull, the British icon whose rebellious spirit and effortless style have long captivated the fashion world. The designer, known for his poetic approach to menswear, channelled Faithfull’s bohemian elegance into a series of looks that blurred the lines between nostalgia and modernity. Flowing silk blouses, tailored velvet suits, and oversized outerwear in muted, romantic hues evoked the singer’s signature 1960s aesthetic, while delicate lace and ruffled detailing added a touch of vulnerability to the collection’s otherwise androgynous edge.

Faithfull’s influence was felt not just in the silhouettes but in the attitude of the collection—there was a sense of defiance, a refusal to conform, that resonated deeply with today’s shifting fashion landscape. Stokey-Daley’s ability to weave storytelling into his designs made this tribute feel deeply personal, a love letter to an era of artistic rebellion and sartorial freedom.

Beyond this homage, the show also underscored the importance of emerging talent in shaping the future of British fashion. Fashion East, the incubator that has launched some of the industry’s most exciting names, once again introduced a new wave of designers pushing boundaries. This season’s lineup included bold explorations of texture, deconstructed tailoring, and unexpected fabric pairings that challenged traditional notions of luxury. From sculptural knitwear to avant-garde layering, these young creatives brought an energy that felt raw, fearless, and undeniably fresh.

As London Fashion Week continues to champion both heritage and innovation, the presence of designers like Stokey-Daley and the latest Fashion East cohort proves that the city remains a powerhouse for creative expression. With a reverence for the past and an eye on the future, this season’s emerging talent reaffirmed that British fashion is as dynamic and unpredictable as ever.