FashionUnited’s Spring/Summer 2022 Preview: Fashion Week London has just days to go. FashionUnited wants to give you the best guide to what to see on the London Fashion Week catwalk and in-person presentations.
Although many brands have been removed from the schedule, including Victoria Beckham and Burberry, London Fashion Week has more than 100 designers confirmed to show. Expect to generate buzz with new designers, including Nensi Dojaka, winner of the LVMH Prize, and Chet Lo, as well as established designers like Roksanda and Osman, Simone Rocha and Richard Malone.
The return of physical shows is a big hit with audiences
Similar to other fashion weeks, London Fashion Week is once again encouraging physical, in-person events. Designers will opt for presentations, catwalks, private dinners, and appointments to show their spring/summer 2022 collections.
It isn’t quite back to pre-pandemic levels but physical shows still outperform those that stick to digital for another season.
You can also look out for presentations, beginning with Saul Nash September 17. He is known for combining luxury and activewear, and relaxed silhouettes. His clothing is also showcased with choreographed performances.
While Rixo are hosting a ‘Bon Voyage’ themed presentation on September 17, genderless artisanal label Bloke will present its collection on September 19 and Toga, which just launched a collaboration with H&M will be presenting its spring/summer 2022 collection on September 20.
Cos will host a physical event to unveil its fall/winter 2021 collection. Cos.com will stream the hybrid show, which will include a catwalk and artistic portraiture, as well as moving images.
Emerging Designers
London is known for its ability to promote emerging talent. This season, NewGen designers will be exhibiting at the TikTok space. Nensi Dojaka, fresh from winning the LVMH Prize, will showcase her spring/summer 2022 collection September 17th. Yuhan Wang will present September 18th and S.S. Daley will present Sunday September 19th. This season will also feature other NewGen designers such as Stefan Cooke and Labrum London, Eftychia and Supriya Lele.
Fashion East are also back with a stellar line-up supporting five designer, including the much-talked about Chinese-American designer Chet lo, Maximilian Jawara Alleyne and HRH, Goomheo.
Digital showcases are still preferred by brands
Although in-person events are popular this season, many brands still prefer to show their collections digitally, from fashion films and live-streamed photoshoots to digital showcases. Roland Mouret will present the film Terminus by Magaajyia SilverfeldIn and Halpern will highlight the amazing work of the Royal Ballet in London, with a film showcasing the SS22 collection at The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden.
Other digital collection designers include JW Anderson, Liam Hodges from London, Taiwanese designer Apujan and Feng Chen Wang, a Chinese-born designer.
The DiscoveryLab series will feature emerging designers such as Max Zara Sterck and N Palmer.
Mulberry x Richard Malone
Mulberry, a British heritage brand, will reveal its latest designer collaboration as part its 50th anniversary celebrations. Richard Malone will follow the example of Priya Ahluwalia who unveiled her Mulberry Editions collaboration in June.
The Mulberry x Richard Malone capsule line launches digitally on September 19, and will debut on the catwalk at Malone’s spring/summer 2022 show that same day. Mulberry stores around the world will be selling the collection on September 20.
Celebrations across the city
The British Fashion Council will be reviving its five-day fashion celebration in London with over 350 events and activations, in partnership with key retailers, cultural organizations, and businesses. These celebrations will be held throughout London at renowned shopping locations such as Chelsea, Mayfair, and Belgravia.
Christian Dior will host artisans from its Paris atelier at the New Bond Street flagship to be part of key events. From September 15-17, the artisans will display the workmanship of Lady Dior, Haute Couture, Lady Dior and Demi Measure suit tailoring.
Browns East will host a series installations, including one at Browns East that features Babak Ganjei, a hilarious visual artist. The 44-piece exhibition, entitled “Honey Wagon”, features his tongue-in-cheek artworks, neon signs, and a print art piece exclusive to Browns.
Levi’s will debut its collaboration with three MA design talents from Central Saint Martins, as part of the Levi’s By Levi’s range. The denim brand collaborated with each student Charlie Constantinou (Juntae Kim) and Pip Paz–Howlett to customise and reimagine old stock products. This resulted in a range of new, vibrant designs. The brand’s Soho concept store Levi’s Haus will have the collection available until September.
Other highlights include Puma’s Liberty collection launch, Raeburn offering private tours to his atelier, Anya Hindmarch presenting her fruit and vegetable store in the heart Of Anya Village, while Salvatore Ferragamo has an artist at its Bond Street boutique to create customised products.
Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council said in a statement that: “We are thrilled to welcome London Fashion Week in a physical format again this season and we are excited to celebrate all it has to offer through the City-Wide Celebration.”
The initiative is designed to increase foot traffic in the capital and remind consumers about the excitement and vibrancy of London. We are excited to see the city come alive with over 100 brands, restaurants, hotels, and cultural institutions.
London Fashion Week runs September 17-21.
