Burberry is set to unveil its A/W 2026 collection at London Fashion Week on Monday, following its S/S 2026 show.
After a brief pause following New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week commenced with a notable appearance by King Charles III. On Thursday afternoon, the monarch attended the A/W 2026 runway presentation by British-Nigerian designer Tolu Coker. Among the attendees were British Fashion Council CEO Laura Weir and prominent designers such as Stella McCartney, Seán McGirr from McQueen, Roksanda Ilinčić, and Martine Rose, who shared the royal’s seating area.
Weir’s Vision for British Fashion
On Friday morning, Weir, in her second season as CEO of the British Fashion Council, delivered an optimistic address marking the official opening of the event. She emphasized her ‚designer-first‘ philosophy, vowing to prioritize designers and establish a supportive ecosystem for British fashion that extends beyond a single season. She concluded with a message of community, stating, ‚This is a city of ideas. This is an industry of resilience. This is a community of extraordinary talent.‘
London’s fashion scene continues to thrive, showcasing a diverse range of designers, from emerging talents fresh out of fashion schools like Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion, which held MA shows on Thursday, to established names such as Simone Rocha and Erdem, both of which are scheduled to present on Sunday afternoon. Burberry will close the week with Daniel Lee’s latest collection on Monday evening, before the fashion circuit moves to Milan on Tuesday.
Chopova Lowena’s Unique Presentation
Chopova Lowena has been a standout in recent years for its innovative approach to fashion presentations. After a vibrant S/S 2026 show in a gym hall in west London, the designers Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena opted for a static display at Islington’s Crafts Council for their A/W 2026 collection, titled ‚Too Ripe and Ready by Half.‘ The collection was showcased in a surreal mini golf setting, featuring mannequins styled with Regency-inspired curls, dressed by V&A archivists.
This season, the designers drew inspiration from early 19th-century Regency silhouettes, incorporating puffed sleeves, ruffles, and collars, while maintaining their signature playful elements such as carabiner kilts and quirky prints. The collection was enriched with intricate beadwork, lace, and innovative corsetry designs, enhancing the already rich aesthetic of Chopova Lowena. The popularity of the brand was evident during the Saturday presentation, where attendees eagerly sought a glimpse of the upcoming collection.
Selasi’s P.E. Class Concept
Designer Ronan Mckenzie collaborated with Lauren Beharie from the English National Ballet for the A/W 2026 show of her label Selasi. The event commenced with Beharie gracefully entering the Bloomsbury sports hall en pointe. Midway through the presentation, members of the Athene Club, dressed in upcycled Pangaia track suits, participated in a P.E. class-inspired segment, emphasizing the theme of endurance.
Mckenzie reflected on her experiences in P.E. classes at Walthamstow School for Girls, using the ‚bleep test‘ as a metaphor for the challenges of sustaining a creative career in London. Although Selasi was established in 2020, this show marked its debut on the official London Fashion Week schedule.
Fashion East Showcases Emerging Designers
Fashion East, a platform for nurturing emerging talent since 2000, presented its latest cohort of designers on Friday afternoon. The event took place in Manor Place, a repurposed 19th-century swimming bath in South London, transformed into a community space by Palace Skateboards founders Lev Tanju and Gareth Skewis.
The runway featured collections from Jacek Gleba, Mayhew, and Traiceline Pratt’s Goyagoma. Gleba’s collection, titled ‚Salome,‘ drew inspiration from Aubrey Beardsley’s illustrations, showcasing a blend of bodysuits and casual wear. Pratt’s Goyagoma presented a nocturnal twist on everyday silhouettes, while Mayhew’s collection, ‚Come on Over,‘ explored themes of chance encounters and found objects.
KNWLS Launches Ephemeral Store
Charlotte Knowles and Alexandre Arsenault returned to London to launch a temporary store at The Painting Rooms in Soho, showcasing their A/W 2026 collection titled ‚Ballistic.‘ This pop-up aims to provide a tangible interaction with the brand, featuring vintage furnishings and curated artworks.
The collection, characterized by a blend of self-possessed femininity and eclectic wardrobe elements, includes leather jackets with dramatic sleeves and sporty attire. The designers hope to create an inviting atmosphere for shoppers to explore their vision.
Stay tuned for further updates from London Fashion Week A/W 2026.
Bildquelle: Eduardo Rosas auf Pexels
