London Fashion Week: The Wild, The Wonderful, and the Forgettable. Issue #12
They say fashion is a mirror of society. If that’s the case, LFW just reflected a world caught between nostalgia, restraint, and a desperate need for escape.
Before we dive in, a quick note: there are still a few spots left for my Accessorize with Purpose workshop on Wednesday 26th, 6-8 PM at Marylebone. Join me for an evening of celebrating fashion, surrounded by like-minded women, and learning how to master accessory styling. Secure your spot here, see you there!
Now, let’s talk LFW.
London has always been the most rebellious of the fashion capitals. Paris may have heritage, Milan its polish, and New York its commercial savvy, but London? London is where risk-taking happens. Or at least, where it should happen. This season, however, felt torn between two extremes, designers either leaned into rich, romantic storytelling or opted for quiet, corporate practicality. Where was the chaos? Where was the audacity?
Let's start with the true trendsetters, the big names who set the tone for the season. Burberry, our beloved British institution, will take the stage later tonight, so the verdict is still out. Richard Quinn, the reigning prince of opulent drama, delivered, as always, with his sculpted florals and veiled mystique. But even he seemed a little tamed, like a rebel in rehab.
Harris Reed at the Tate Modern? Now that was a show. With Florence Pugh setting the tone, commanding us to be both vulnerable and fearless, Reed’s Gilded collection was pure opulence, vintage tapestries transformed into sculptural masterpieces. And when I saw one of his structured skirts, I couldn’t help but smile, it instantly reminded me of a piece I styled for a shoot at the Gothic Bar in King’s Cross. Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself, but hey, dreams keep us going, right? It’s exciting to see that we share a love for these dramatic, architectural silhouettes.
Daniel Fletcher made his debut as creative director for Mithridate, a brand to watch, as some of his looks blend that perfect mix of Notting Hill charm with a Borough Market edge, think Julia Roberts’ effortless elegance meets Renée Zellweger’s quirky cool. While the designs played it a little safe, the layering was absolutely exquisite. The way stripes clashed and intertwined felt both genius and playful, making it a standout moment on the runway. It was a joy to watch, and you can bet I’ll be adapting those styling tricks into my own wardrobe and when working with my clients.
Bora Aksu was a headwear heaven, his romanticism leaving me breathless. His AW25 collection, with its deeper palette and tribute to Empress Sissi, had me spellbound. As someone who has been obsessed with Sissi’s rebellious spirit since childhood, this was personal.
S.S. Daley gave us a celebration of British heritage. The runway featured voluminous ball skirts that exuded a sense of grandeur, juxtaposed with a palette dominated by beige tones, adding a modern twist to classic silhouettes.
Stokey-Daley's approach to design often draws inspiration from historical and literary references, reimagining them through a modern lens, while introducing innovative design elements that resonate with today's fashion enthusiasts.
Completed Works turned a jewelry presentation into performance art, featuring the iconic Debi Mazar as a woman unraveling, utterly captivating, wildly intelligent, and confronting in the best way. Anna Jewsbury continues to prove why she’s a creative force. And Bravo for the styling!
Paul Costelloe embraced equestrian elegance, his 80s countryside glamour bursting with volume and power. The hair, orchestrated by Cos Sakkas, and Borna Prikaski styling looks, took me back to my time working with them on Tony & Guy’s 60th anniversary, true talent, real passion.
William Palmer’s Central Saint Martins MA collection turned romanticism into a response to chaos, proving once again that fresh talent is where the future lies.
Z.I.D.I by Nathan Moy gave us bicycle-inspired handbags, quirky, sustainable, and undeniably cool. Fashion Hong Kong designers at Central Stage delivered avant-garde sustainability.
SRVC reimagined corporate fashion into something effortlessly sexy (thank you, Anna Trevelyan, for the genius styling), with Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” setting the mood, perfection. (I can’t decide whick look I like the most…)
Annie’s Ibiza brought a slice of 15th-century Italy to LFW, proving why their boutique in Carnaby Street is a must-stop for my clients. The shoulder structured capes were magic, blending history with modern flair.
Sinead Gorey gave us off-duty attitude with Converse heels (a nod to Native American craftsmanship boots exposed at the British Museum), and those iconic chicken bags, yes, they had a moment.
So, what did we learn? Romanticism is taking over. Socks styling, whether over-the-knee or paired with heels, is about to be major. Big ball skirts are making a grand return. And yes, beige is everywhere. But before you run out to buy something new, here’s the truth: you don’t need more, you just need to style better. We all have enough pieces to incorporate these trends with a little imagination. Layering is key, and the beauty of it? There are endless ways to make it your own.
Fashion Week is more than just a parade of clothes, it’s a reflection of where we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re headed. Watching these collections unfold keeps me attuned to the talents shaping our visual world. But does it dictate my personal style? Never. I adapt, I experiment, I take inspiration, but I don’t let trends define me. Fashion should be fun, expressive, and deeply personal. Boho chic is everywhere, and I love it, but I always put my own twist on it. Because in the end, the best style isn’t about what’s trending, it’s about what feels like you.
One last note, this newsletter is getting a little makeover of its own! From now on, Life, Styled & Wardrobed will be called London, Styled & Wardrobed. Why? For niche reasons, sure, but mostly because as a stylist based in London, I want to focus on building a community of women who, like me, are in love with this city and everything it has to offer fashion-wise.
Until next time, lovelies, may your heels be high, your skirts be voluminous, and your outfits be anything but boring.
Carolina X