With London Fashion Week just around the corner, the usual industry cohort (and new faces, we hope) are preparing for what is set to be the busiest schedule the British capital has seen in years. We’re talking pre-COVID-era schedule, with over 20 runways and presentations on Friday 15th September. And that’s only day one!
With practical shoes laced, and both sunglasses and an umbrella packed just in case, the city feels truly abuzz with excitement to see the schedule bursting with talent, innovation and sustainable progress.
Below, find out which runway shows we’re most excited to see this London Fashion Week for SS24.
AARON ESH
Having been shortlisted as a finalist in the illustrious LVMH Prize earlier this year, Aaron Esh will make his London Fashion Week debut this season. A London College of Fashion alum, the young designer takes inspiration from his sculptor mother and haute couture techniques, producing menswear staples that celebrate the constructions and silhouettes of womenswear. Most recently, Esh’s work can be seen in the latest campaign from Smart Water with fashion it-girl Zendaya. The campaign sees the actress sporting aqua-inspired looks from fellow LFW favourites Chet Lo, Connor Ives, Di Petsa and Nensi Dojaka – not bad company for an industry incomer.
ASHLEY WILLIAMS
Known for her pet-inspired prints, tongue-in-cheek attitude and weird-girl aesthetic, Ashley Williams was once a staple on London Fashion Week schedules. After a two-year hiatus, Williams is returning to the runway with a new partnership with UGG, and a cash injection thanks to Fashion East’s XLNC programme. Williams’ design aesthetic couldn’t be more on-trend right now, and we’re excited for the Gen-Z girlies to have a new favourite to add to their TikTok wishlists. However, we’re also anticipating a refreshed vision for the brand, as Williams recently teased in an interview with Vogue Business that her “tastes have evolved” – watch this space.
HARRI
Having showcased his work via BFC-supported presentations for the past three seasons, Harri is making his runway debut this season. The Indian-born, London-based menswear designer’s fantastical garments routinely inject some much-needed joy into the LFW schedule, with ballooned latex trousers that reimagine menswear silhouettes as a stand-out. In past seasons, Harri has utilised dancers to exhibit his larger-than-life designs, and we’re intrigued to see how this will translate on the runway.
HOLZWEILER
Norwegian fashion brand Holzweiler is bringing its collection to London having previously shown at Copenhagen Fashion Week. The Oslo-based, family-owned fashion house has made its name in true Scandinavian style, fusing seamless design with effortless functionality. Guests in Copenhagen in August were surprised and disappointed to see the brand absent from its schedule, anticipating it to be a stand-out of the season. Instead, Londoners will be treated to Holzweiler’s SS24 offerings, and we can’t wait to see what they’ve got in store.
MOWALOLA
When it comes to Mowalola, we know to always expect a show. Last season saw the brand bring out celebrity catwalk cameos including Rico Nasty and Yves Tumor in a collection inspired by the dark web. While not much has yet been teased for Mowa’s SS24 collection, entitled ‘Crash’, by the looks of the after-party – which already has tickets on sale – this is sure to be a high-octane evening.
16ARLINGTON
Last season, the London-based brand by Italian-born Marco Capaldo wowed attendees as it debuted menswear in its collection, executed with the same precision as its now-renowned womenswear. Having already reached household-name status through its red carpet reputation, this season, the brand is supported as the winner of the BFC/Vogue Fashion Designer Fund prize, receiving a £150,000 cash prize and business mentoring. While this funding may be a drop in the ocean for a runway budget, we’re fascinated to see how the brand will elevate further thanks to the prize win.
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