PAUSE Highlights: Top London Fashion Week Moments

As always, London Fashion Week showed that the fashion community in the capital is as strong as ever. Celebrating 40 years this season, the week was filled with an array of creativity presented by many designers, some seasoned and others just breaking onto the scene. London continues to offer a platform for their designers to grow and develop, with many collections this season focusing on home, community and craftsmanship. It’s no wonder why so many flock to the city for week. Here’s a round up of our top moments.

Foday Dumbuya made history this season, presenting his SS25 collection for Labrum London at the Emirates stadium, home of Arsenal FC. The first time a show has ever been held in a football stadium to date, the collection titled “Journey of Triumphs” was indeed just that. Featuring Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, rapper Ghetts, and comedian Michael Dapper as models on the runway, it was a coming together of community to celebrate the wins the brand has seen so far.

Embroidered menswear took centre stage with cargo shorts, while traditional headgear added a dramatic touch. Abstract figures adorned slim-fit button-downs and patched tops with claw-like details completed the look. Repurposed pre-released Arsenal kits were transformed into a striking bodysuits, with the collection being rounded out through embellished gowns, suiting adorned with passport stamps, and colourful monarch uniforms.

Priya Ahluwalia‘s SS25 collection, titled “Home Sweet Home,” is a poignant exploration of identity, belonging, and the enduring pull of one’s roots. Inspired by her personal experiences and the stories of those who have traversed continents, Ahluwalia creates a collection that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Draws inspiration from her Indian-Nigerian heritage, Ahluwalia seamlessly blends elements of both cultures.

 The colour palette was vibrant and bold, with hues of red, yellow, and blue dominating the runway. The silhouettes were both modern and timeless, including oversized coats, tailored suits, and flowing dresses. One of the most striking aspects of Ahluwalia’s SS25 collection was the emphasis on sustainability, with the designer utilising recycled materials and up cycled fabrics throughout the collection, demonstrating a tangible commitment to ethical fashion.

Simone Rocha returned to the Old Bailey for SS25, delivering a captivating and provocative show that explored themes of seduction, romance, and the complexities of gender roles. Inspired by the carnation, a flower often associated with masculinity, Rocha created a collection that was both delicate and powerful.

One of the most striking elements of the collection was the use of carnations. These sweet-smelling flowers were incorporated into the designs in various ways, from delicate embellishments to bold, statement pieces. The traditionally masculine carnation was reimagined by Rocha as a symbol of both seduction and vulnerability.

Tolu Coker, the rising star of the London fashion scene, presented a stunning SS25 collection that was a vibrant celebration of her British-Nigerian heritage. The show, titled “Olapeju” after her mother, was a love letter to her family, her community, and the resilience of immigrant women.

Coker’s designs were a beautiful blend of vintage and contemporary styles, infused with a joyful and nostalgic spirit. The collection featured a range of pieces, from flowing dresses and tailored suits to bold outerwear and statement accessories. The colour palette was a mix of vibrant hues, including deep blues, rich reds, and sunny yellows. The show’s finale was a particularly moving moment, as models danced down the runway in party looks made from upcycled leather. It was a championing of joy, resilience, and the power of community.

The HARRI SS25 collection was a bold and innovative exploration of fashion’s intersection with technology and sculpture. Known for its sculptural, inflatable designs, HARRI continues to push the boundaries of conventional clothing with this latest offering.

Featuring a striking blend of oversized, balloon-like latex garments and sleek, body-hugging silhouettes, the HARRI collection was injected with vibrant colours that contrasted with darker hues, creating a visually arresting and thought-provoking presentation. The brand’s signature use of inflated forms added a  futuristic element to the collection, reminiscent of a sci-fi fantasy. Each piece was meticulously constructed, showcasing the designer’s skill in manipulating materials and creating unique shapes. The collection’s focus on form and function is evident in the way the garments both celebrate the human body and challenge traditional notions of shape.

Charlie Constantinou, a Central Saint Martins alumnus, has cultivated a devoted fanbase with his unique blend of gorpcore aesthetics and practical winterwear, exemplified by his collaborations with 66°North. His SS25 collection further expands his imaginative world, offering a versatile lineup of gender-neutral athletic apparel that doesn’t compromise on style. Constantinou expertly incorporates a variety of recycled nylon fabrics into the 28-piece collection, seamlessly blending his signature elements.

The collection features harness tops, hooded vests, and convertible trousers, being were just a few of the standout pieces in Constantinou’s most extensive women’s collection yet. Textured tanks with exaggerated volume, printed wrap tops, cut-out tees, and knitted dresses brought a playful twist to the outdoor wear aesthetic.