Surprises, Cameos and Buzzy Debuts at London Fashion Week
Fashion

Surprises, Cameos and Buzzy Debuts at London Fashion Week

London's first round of mostly in-person shows since before the pandemic welcomed many returning designers such as Roksanda, Erdem (who celebrated its 15th anniversary) and Simone Rocha. Newer entrants, such as Chet Lo and Maximilian, staged their first runway shows as part of incubator platform Fashion East. And several designers were able to show this season thanks to sponsors like TikTok and Clearpay (in conjunction with the British Fashion Council), which gave these independent brands the ability to stage shows again after more than a year of digital programming. Below, see the biggest highlights from London Fashion Week.

COS Holds First Runway Show at London Fashion Week

Courtesy of COS

The final day of London Fashion Week saw a new and unfamiliar face on its schedule: COS, the high street label adored by minimalists everywhere. For its debut runway show, the brand presented its Fall 2021 collection on top of a circular platform where models of all ages showed off its signature pared down wardrobe essentials with an elevated twist. Some of the pieces from the show are available now at COS stores and cos.com with more to drop throughout the season.

Richard Malone Unveils Mulberry Collaboration at His SS22 Show

Courtesy of Mulberry

Richard Malone has emerged as one of the hottest new designers to come out of London, and for his Spring 2022 collection, his fantastical ready-to-wear was accompanied by a new handbag collaboration with Mulberry. Malone reinterpreted two bags that feature the British leather house's signature Postman's Lock: the Bayswater and the Darley, both in different bold color combinations. The capsule is part of Mulberry Editions which kicked off during its 50th anniversary year.

Perfect Magazine Throws a Party Celebrating Issue One "Joy"

Photo: Dave Benett for NoMad London

This was simply the party to be at in London. Perfect, the new indie publication founded by former Love editor Katie Grand, invited anybody who's anybody to celebrate Issue One, titled "Joy," at the NoMad London. There were plenty of designers (Sohee Park, Christopher Kane, Harris Reed, Matty Bovan, Saul Nash), models (Alexa Chung, Adwoa Aboah, Lindsey Wixon), celebs (Leah Dunham, Courtney Love, A$AP Nast) and every British It-girl and boy you could think of.

Bimini Bon Boulash Walks for Richard Quinn

The final show of London Fashion Week, Richard Quinn closed the proceedings with a colorful display of saturated prisms, signature psychedelic florals and wacky accessories like toe boots and brown paper bag handbags. Bimini Bon Boulash, the Drag Race UK finalist and its breakout fashion star, made her catwalk debut for the designer in a sweeping violet coat with train and yellow thigh-high boots. She also appeared alongside Drag Race co-star Tayce in Quinn's last digital film.

Simone Rocha's Insane Bridal Platforms

Photo: Daniel Sims

Simone Rocha always serves a dark-yet-romantic fantasy, and over the years she's kept that twisted sense of beauty while adding new ideas like interpretations on biker and leather-wear. For Spring 2022, her show notes were very simple: "Communion dress, embellished breast, distressed. Cream 'bedding' brocade, Cotton Poplin sheets." The standout, however, were the insane platform shoes that look primed for a new kind of whimsical bride to emerge come spring.

Chet Lo's Runway Debut at Fashion East

Courtesy of Fashion East

Before Chet Lo even graduated from Central Saint Martins last summer, his subversive approach to knitwear has made him an attraction for magazines and celebrities alike, including SZA and Doja Cat, both of whom wore his signature spiked knit bodysuits for the "Kiss Me More" video. For his runway debut in the incubator platform Fashion East, Lo was in a tropical paradise mood and inflected his edgy resortwear and swim gear with sunset hues and warm palettes.

Top photo via Getty