London Fashion Week 2023: Combining Fashion, Art, and History
As Fashion Month continues, the runway shows quickly moved from New York to London. This London Fashion Week, many of the designers made tributes to the late Vivienne Westwood. According to the British Fashion Council, this past fashion week was dedicated to her legendary influence on English fashion history. The tribute to Westwood and her iconic designs led designers to turn "punk into fashion" with their A/W’23 collections.
From luxury to street style, many designers and brands showcased the latest trends on the runway. London designers showcase their collections every year during the months of February and September.
The two weeks out of the year allow British designers to showcase their collections to everyone from industry workers, designers, and exciting buyers—specifically from Selfridges, Harrods, and Harvey Nichols. In addition, the top British-based designer and department stores attend fashion week, styling their visual merchandise to be displayed with all of the newest trends.
Let’s take a look at some of the shows from this past London Fashion Week.
Moncler "Genius”
The Italian outerwear company Moncler showcases its collections at London Fashion Week. The brand left the traditional catwalk behind and steered towards a marketing and publication presence for industry leaders, consumers, and fans.
Their "Genius" program consists of collaborations with other designers, artists, and car companies. Along with collaborating with musicians and Mercedes-Benz, Moncler has introduced their capsule, "Art of Genuis," inviting Palm Angels, FRGMT, and Rick Owens to their upcoming collections.
The collaboration expands on the art of street style and luxury fashion to reach a wider audience. The variety of collaborations proves Moncler’s genius effect on fashion and art.
The brand’s inspiration was to combine everyone’s opinions on fashion and make them one, all on one platform. Aiming at the Millennial consumer, the company wants to build a larger audience through publication, marketing, and social media buzz. Open to the public, the event was a great success in London’s fashion eyes’.
Harris Reed
British-American fashion designer Harris Reed embraced the art of liberation and personality in its A/W’32 collection. The brand kicked off London Fashion Week with inspiration from William Shakespeare. The collection combines art and fashion that combines theatrics and the latest trends. The accents of the collection were displayed through silhouettes, drapings, fabrics, motifs, and embellishments.
The plethora of fabrications involved in the garment creations showcased the brand’s glamour. “Unexpected fabrics were twisted and turned into classic silhouettes, from structured shawls to waist belts, completed by ever-so-slightly unhinged additions, ” reports HypeBae. The “Pageant Queen” look displayed by Harris Reed showcased the true luxury of London fashion.
jw anderson
JW Anderson, a British fashion designer, also showcased its collection at London Fashion Week. Combining culture with fashion, the designer created an inspirational silhouette-based collection with structured and fitted pieces.
“Simple gray suiting, checkered coats, green and orange feather boa trims over khaki dresses, striped logo tees, simple black dresses with a slight flair or ruffle, and tailored asymmetric coats and vests,” says W Magazine. The brand used historical archives and designs to honor the history of London fashion.
London Fashion Week never fails to make an impression. The community always looks forward to seeing future trends emerge and embrace London’s rich history.
What were your favorite collections from London Fashion Week? Let us know in the comments.