London Fashion Week: A Celebration of Britishness and Individuality

Retailers React to a Powerful Season

Despite a shorter schedule, London Fashion Week packed a punch this season. Retailers praised the resilient spirit of British designers, who delivered impactful collections amidst a challenging economic backdrop. From Simone Rocha's statement faux fur to Emilia Wickstead's '60s tailoring and Daniel Lee's cozy knitwear at Burberry, buyers were captivated by the unique blend of heritage and innovation.

Harrods: Art, Elegance, and Outerwear

Simon Longland, Harrods' Director of Fashion Buying, championed Erdem as the week's most exceptional collection, praising its "poetic elegance" within the British Museum's hallowed halls. He also highlighted Huishan Zhang and Roksanda for their balance of precision and fluidity.

Longland noted the prevalence of green hues, embellishments, and a '60s influence across various collections. Outerwear, particularly Burberry's trench coats and rain capes, made a strong statement, blending function with luxurious details.

"This season was about restraint and impact — where luxury was deliberate, innovation measured, and the conversation between past and present more compelling than ever," observed Longland.

Saks: Rebellious Nostalgia and Dramatic Sculptures

Roopal Patel, Senior Vice President and Fashion Director at Saks, was enthralled by Simone Rocha's rebellious nostalgia, a blend of her signature styles over the past 15 years, and Daniel Lee's chic take on the English countryside for Burberry.

Patel also praised Erdem's dreamy collaboration with artist Kaye Donachie and Harris Reed's dramatic gowns, highlighting the intricate detail of each piece. Dilara Findikoğlu's "Venus From Chaos" embodied the spirit of London Fashion Week, leaving a lasting impression with its bold and sensual designs.

Mytheresa: Faux Fur, Bold Layering, and Evocative Show Formats

Tiffany Hsu, Mytheresa's Chief Buying Officer, lauded Simone Rocha, Erdem, Dilara Findikoğlu, and Harris Reed for their exceptional collections. She also praised the unique show formats, highlighting Dilara Findikoğlu's evocative use of a rundown building and Richard Quinn's dramatic snowfall on the runway.

Faux fur, midi-hemlines, and bold layering, underscored by Gothic romance, were noted as key trends.

Net-a-porter: Outerwear, Occasionwear, and British Landmarks

Olivia von Christierson, Buying Manager at Net-a-porter, admired Burberry, Erdem, and Emilia Wickstead for showcasing their brand DNA. She appreciated the use of iconic British landmarks as venues and highlighted Completedworks' innovative presentation format.

Outerwear and occasionwear took center stage, with Burberry's leather boots and Erdem's refreshed Bloom bag identified as must-have items.

Bergdorf Goodman: Unique Daring, and Romantic Soundtracks

Linda Fargo, Senior Vice President of Women's Fashion at Bergdorf Goodman, celebrated London's unique and daring collections, picking out Simone Rocha and Burberry as favorites. She praised Erdem's artful show at the British Museum and the influence of haute couture on designers like Harris Reed and Richard Quinn.

Fargo highlighted the evocative music choices in the shows, mentioning Erdem's "Love Will Tear Us Apart" and Simone Rocha's "Shall We Dance."