Five Trends Leading the Way at London Fashion Week

As a fashion city, London is known for opening up the stage to emerging designers and pushing the boundaries on fashion that has a bit more of an edge as compared to other capitals. While it’s certainly home to classic Houses (i.e. Burberry), new-Gen labels like KNWLS and David Koma owned much of the media buzz. But, it wouldn’t be London Fashion Week without brands like Erdem and Simone Rocha whose collections never fail to be quintessentially “British”, too.

Ahead, read on the five trends that were seen on the Spring/Summer 2022 runways at London Fashion Week.

Sex Appeal

From Left to Right: KNWLS, Nensi Dojaka, 19 Arlington

Dressing with ‘sex appeal’ has certainly been a hot topic as we’re slowly emerging into a (semi) post-COVID world. From micro minis to slinky bodycons, these are wardrobe essentials according to London designers. Sheer fabrics are also key, whether it’s used as an illusion or a see-through variety on an entire dress. Plus, the tiny top is a going to be must-have next season whether paired with an equally skimpy bottom or juxtaposed with an oversized option.

English Rose

From Left to Right: Erdem, Bora Aksu, Simone Rocha

Especially with the fascination around ‘Regencycore’ as of late, British designers leaned into their heritage this season through tailoring, romantic details and, of course, full A-line skirts. While designers like Erdem and Simona Rocha are known for showcasing this aesthetic quite literally, this is already being channeled in other ways through wearable corsets, sophisticated necklines and elegant details.

High Shine

From Left to Right: Halpern, David Koma, Richard Quinn

Glam has been a common theme so far this Fashion Month and this surely made an appearance across London runways through high-shine details. At Halpern, this showed up in classic evening-wear while David Koma offered up daytime options like suiting and sweats in punchy hues and sequined fabric.

Arts + Crafts

From Left to Right: JW Anderson, Eftychia, Jenn Lee

Similar to New York’s ‘anything but basic’ basics trend, this theme is an interpretation of classic items in an updated way. In London, designers took a more ‘crafty’ approach in their solution of making wardrobe staples a bit more interesting. From day dresses to knits, details ranging from resin to zippers and patchwork were utilized at trendsetting labels.

Hot Tropic Hues

From Left to Right: Mark Fast, Rejina Pyo, Molly Goddard

For many of us, we only have one thing on the mind: travel. Whether it’s IRL or just a daydream for now, designers are gearing up to create the perfect wardrobe – or, crafting up typical day-to-day pieces in hot tropic hues. Make note of tangerine orange, vibrant pink, lime green and citrus yellow as a few leading shades for next season.

Stay tuned as we outline the coming global fashion weeks, as well as an end-of-season recap that will release next month.