London Fashion Week started off strong over the weekend, featuring thrilling designers paving the way with floral patterns stunning in the snow, hauntingly beautiful gowns, and dangerously sharp shoulders. Here we highlight the unforgettable shows by Richard Quinn, Erdem, Emily Wickstead, and more, where designers stun the industry with campy avant-garde collections embracing the experimental side of fashion.
Richard Quinn’s Love Letter to London
Courtesy of Richard Quinn.
Courtesy of Richard Quinn.
London-based designer Richard Quin perfected the art of dress up in his fall/winter 2025 collection. The runway, inspired by a picturesque snowy street in London, reflected Quinn’s deep love for his city. His elegant, intricately detailed gowns in white evoked the beauty of wedding dresses, celebrating the unity of life, fashion, and the simple moments we often miss. Quinn pulled from personal memories, stitching them into each garment creating an elegant lust for life within fashion. Ivory lace, mint feathers, blush tulle came together in a marriage of beauty highlighting feminine empowerment.
Erdem Collaborates with Kaye Donachie in Elegant Collection
Courtesy of ERDEM.
Courtesy of ERDEM.
Captivated by Kaye Donachie’s poetic approach to painting, Erdem sought to channel her ethereal energy into his fall/winter 2025 collection. Their creative collaboration began after Erdem was deeply moved by a portrait of his late mother, painted by Donachie. The collection reflected Donachie’s evocative palette, with soft pastels subtly emerging through translucent fabrics. Hauntingly beautiful, the garments told stories of women, time, and memory, blending shadow and soul. Delicate pink silks and shimmering fringe were combined to create a dazzling allure, as the union of fashion and art gives rise to a collection that is both emotionally charged and visually stunning.
Emilia Wickstead Evokes “The Bird”
Courtesy of Emilia Wickstead.
Courtesy of Emilia Wickstead.
Inspired by the iconic women behind The Birds (1963), Emilia Wickstead’s fall/winter 2025 collection celebrated the enduring influence of Edith Head, Tippi Hedren, and Daphne du Maurier. Tailored suiting in grey melange wool and black Charmelaine cady channeled Head’s character-driven costume design, while high collars evoke the haunting energy of the film, mimicking the flapping of wings. Hedren’s elegance shone through with chartreuse suiting and sculptural camel tones, while Du Maurier’s atmospheric tension inspired bold color contrasts and feather-like embellishments. Wickstead incorporated innovative holographic floral nylons and textured jacquards, merging 1960s glamour with modern silhouettes in the must-see collection.
Chet Lo Reclaims Asian Art
Courtesy of Chet Lo.
Courtesy of Chet Lo.
“Modern Antiquity” by designer Chet Lo challenged the colonialist history of Western interpretations of Asian art. The collection reimagined the past through contemporary designs, with tiger prints evolving into modern patterns and cloud motifs transforming into delicate floral shapes. There were unique textures and craftsmanship, including Lo’s signature merino wool spikes, intricately woven pleating, and plush knitting techniques that bring floral patterns to life. Models teased the audience with exclusive footwear, hinting at an exciting collaboration with Converse.
John Richmond Returns to London
Photo by Jamie Morgan, courtesy of John Richmond.
Photo by Jamie Morgan, courtesy of John Richmond.
After shaping the fashion industry from Italy, John Richmond unveiled a bold new chapter in his career, fusing rebellion, luxury, and punk rock attitude in his return to London. The show was presented at the iconic Tate Modern, a fitting backdrop for the designer’s fearless aesthetic and cultural inspiration. Known for his rock-n-roll roots in the 1980s underground club culture, Richmond’s latest pieces celebrated British street style, music, and modern glam. Legendary photographer Jamie Morgan captured the effortless cool of the collection in stunning black and white pictures.
Completedworks’ Surreal Show
Photo by Jenny Li, courtesy of Completedworks.
Completedworks fall/winter 2025 showcased reimagined classic themes in a thrilling celebration of texture and creativity. Accompanied by a dramatized shopping experience, written by Laura Waldren and starring Debi Mazar, the collection’s unique edge came to life. Muted tones were punctuated by flashes of red, adding depth and intrigue. Earrings, necklaces, and rings blurred the line between static and fluid, elegance and boldness. Signature pieces featured pearls draped in zirconia, as if wrapped in scarves, while solid forms swayed unexpectedly, creating a magnetic display of movement and structure.
