Catching Up With London - LFW SS24
It’s fair enough to say that, halfway through fashion month, clothing has actually been well, not the most thrilling. Instead, New York and London have offered us stunts, unexpected fashion news and mental fatigue. Perhaps due to oversaturation on social media or simply the stars not being perfectly aligned, you may find that you missed rather a lot during the SS24 season at London Fashion Week.
As we turn to focus on Milan, let’s have a quick catch-up!
VOGUE WORLD LONDON
London fashion week kicked off with a dazzling bang when Vogue took over the West End’s Drury Lane Theatre for an evening of exquisite style and thrilling theatrics. Encompassing the very best of British culture and fashion, the production featured many a household UK name. Stars that attended included Kate Winslet, Jenna Coleman and Michaela Coel as well as Princess’ Beatrice and Eugenie (wearing Richard Quinn and Fendi.)
The show, months in the making, culminated in an appearance from the four OG ‘Supers’ - Naomi, Cindy, Christy and Linda. The event was a testament to the power British designers and creatives have had sartorially.
SARAH BURTON EXITS ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
Two names so synonymous with British fashion announced their shock split during London Fashion Week. In a statement released by Kering it was revealed that Sarah Burton, who has been creative director of Alexander McQueen for a whopping 13 years, will be stepping down from the fashion house after presenting her SS24 collection during Paris Fashion Week. She has worked at McQueen for over two decades.
“Above all, I want to thank Lee Alexander McQueen. He taught me so much, and I am eternally grateful to him. I am looking forward to the future and my next chapter and will always carry this treasured time with me."
BALMAIN BURGLARY
Technically, this gobsmacking event took place in Paris, however, the news hit fashion headlines during London Fashion Week that Olivier Rousteing’s Balmain had been the victim of a catastrophic theft. More than 50 pieces of the brand’s next collection were stolen after the van carrying them was hijacked while driving from the airport to the Balmain HQ.
BURBERRY TAKE OVER TFL
Have a little sympathy for all the tourists visiting London during fashion week who had to endure the devastating feeling that they may have missed their tube stop. Bond Street? Not anymore, it’s Burberry Street! Signs across the station were changed to reflect the temporary change, causing mass confusion. Oops?
BURBERRY GETS THE PETA TREATMENT
What’s a fashion week without a PETA protest? It turned out that both New York and London were going to take a hit. After causing a scene during the Coach runway, PETA sent their activist (with really quite a good walk) over the pond to Burberry. Security dealt with the intrusion swiftly. Will we see her again in Milan?
JW ANDERSON RESPECT
JW Anderson’s motionless clothing, typical of the designer’s interest in structure and architecture, was not the only thing standing up during his SS24 presentation. A scandal hit social media when footage surfaced of guests leaving their seats to chat and exit the show before the models had even completed their final walk! While it seems the show may have run late, many online have undertaken discussions around mutual respect.
DILARA TAKES THE HIT
Potentially the most closely watched up-and-coming designers of 2023, Dilara Findikoglu’s SS24 presentation in London was much anticipated. The runway, however, never ended up happening. Taking to social media, Findikoglu explained her decision to cancel, "This wasn't something I wanted to do or a decision I took lightly, but the reality is we simply don't have the finances for a runway show right now.”
BRITISH VOGUE HAS NEW LEADERSHIP
What a week it has been for the UK team at Vogue! After monumental success with Vogue World, Edward Enninful’s replacement at the helm of the highly respected publication was announced. Chioma Nnadi, currently Editor of Vogue.com, will begin her new position as head of editorial content at British Vogue next month.
SIMONE ROCHA TAKES THE JPG REIGNS
London Fashion Week came to a close with an exciting announcement. Just days after her own collection was received to some mixed reviews, Jean Paul Gaultier declared Simone Rocha as the designer for JPG’s forthcoming couture collection to be shown in January.
APPARENTLY, THERE WERE ALSO ACTUAL SARTORIAL MOMENTS.
Heaven forbid a fashion week actually contains…fashion!
Chet Lo SS24
Image: Daniele Oberrauch
Erdem SS24
Image: Isidore Montag
Richard Quinn SS24
Image: Filippo Fior
Roksanda SS24
Image: Alessandro Licioni
Harris Reed SS24
Image: Suleika Mueller
Emilia Wickstead SS24
Image: Daniele Oberrauch
Simone Rocha SS24
Image: Carlo Scarpato
16Arlington
Image: Filippo Fior
Di Petsa SS24
Image: Daniele Oberrauch
Burberry SS24
Image: Filippo Fior
