The fashion-forward crowd have taken a plane from New York to London. Now with preppy, Brit fashion coming back on trend, we’re even more curious about what London Fashion Week will offer. And naturally, they did not disappoint. A celebration of craftsmanship and theatrics, here are all the highlights of London Fashion Week SS26: Day 1.
H&M
With a star-studded lineup both on and off the runway, H&M revealed their FW25 collection. Separated into three acts, we saw sharp tailoring intercut with feminine lace, fur, and grungy thigh-high boots in the first act, fur outerwear, checkered print, and plenty of chocolate brown in the second act, and sleek, polished corporate wear in the final act. The British influences were strong in this collection as we saw a blend of preppy, grunge, and punk-inspired looks make their way down the runway. Lace, fur, and checkered print were heavy motifs, but the star of the runway, apart from Lola Young and Alex Consani of course, were the striking thigh-high boots.
Maximilian Raynor
All eyes were on Maximilian Raynor as he is considered to be fashion’s one to watch. For his SS26 collection, we were transported to an ethereal space with a bit of chaos. Titled ‘I’ll Cry If I Want To’, Maximilian Raynor’s couture collection was the latest to hit the theme of nostalgia we have noticed with other designers. The runway was lit with birthday candles and dancers. The collection itself was a story of craftsmanship, curation, and textual layering, as we saw a wonderfully crafted beaded pearl gown, houndstooth peaking from a cut-up trench, and plenty of retro-inspired silhouettes refashioned to a contemporary silhouette.
Harris Reed
As if the theatrics of Maximilian Raynor weren’t enough, we take a look at Harris Reed, who bought Baroquese glamour with his SS26 collection ‘The Avery’. The collection felt ethereal, as models walked down a dimly lit runway in corseted creations, sculptural designs, and surrealistic wings. With botanical motifs, the collection felt like a fever dream, with idealistic imagery of silk and velvet juxtaposed with feathers and leopard print.
