LONDON FASHION WEEK SPRING/SUMMER 2026: DAY 1
words by ANANO SHALAMBERIDZE
In its heyday, London Fashion Week drew crowds eager to witness young talent setting trends that would ripple for years to come. More rebellious, unconventional, and experimental than its counterparts in other cities, London’s power lay in launching creative minds well before the rest of the world caught on. Now, with the arrival of Laura Weir as the British Fashion Council’s new CEO and her plans to revive London’s fashion spirit, LFW felt a little more vibrant again.**
The Spring/Summer 2026 schedule was hefty, packed with regulars and newcomers alike, some returning after hiatus and others making their debut. The general consensus (via highly scientific research, i.e. asking fellow show-goers) was that it all felt “very London,” both in construction and in spirit.
HARRIS REED
review by MAREK BARTEK
all images HARRIS REED provided by the brand
Ten seasons in, Harris Reed swapped spectacle for intimacy, presenting a 14-look lineup in the moody Gothic Bar of St. Pancras. Colour came in periwinkle, cobalt, burgundy, and pastel pink, channeling Reed’s signatures of Victorian romance, glam-rock swagger and English heritage into stand-alone characters. Duchess satins, devoré velvets, feathers, and animal prints collided with caged silhouettes and corsetry, while wallpaper panels by Fromental became gilded bodices and skirts. A fishtail gown, conceived as a more effortless alternative to the usual engineered creations, offered a softer entry point into Reed’s world. Still maximalist, still theatrical, but more reflective, the collection showed Reed refining the codes without dimming his taste for drama.
MAXIMILIAN RAYNOR
review by DOMINIKA GLOWACZ
all images MAXIMILIAN RAYNOR provided by the brand
Maximilian Raynor’s debut at Fashion Week was nothing short of spectacular! From the very first step into the venue, guests were greeted by two enormous cakes at the centre of the runway, a playful and unexpected welcome that instantly set the tone for a true celebration. The energy built with powerful, rhythm-driven music that perfectly matched the mood of the collection. The opening looks carried a mysterious atmosphere, featuring structured silhouettes in warm tones of gold and yellow. Each piece felt imbued with meaning, amplified by the music and the confident presence of the models.
Textures and architectural shapes came together to create stunning, wearable works of art. Theatrical dance performances wove seamlessly into the show, with movement and clothing merging to produce a mesmerising spectacle, heightened by the emotional soundtrack. One standout look that lingered in memory was a complete white ensemble with striking strappy structures and a matching headpiece, pure elegance and innovation. And just when we thought it couldn’t get more dazzling, the finale arrived: breathtaking silver gowns that closed the show with brilliance.