London has always set the tone in the world of fashion, expertly combining tradition with innovation. The work and experiments of its designers — ranging from historical styles to striking street-fashion looks — continuously reshape global trends.
Fashion inspires, captivates, and seduces, all of which is reflected in the outfits Londoners create. Designers here encourage experimentation while simultaneously celebrating individuality. Contemporary fashion in London has been centuries in the making, changing constantly to showcase new and creative solutions. Read more at londonka.
London Fashion Week (LFW)
The main event where international and British designers showcase their collections is London Fashion Week, held twice a year in June and September. LFW was organised by the British Fashion Council (BFC) for the London Development Agency. The event first took place in 1984 and remains immensely popular today.
London Fashion Week holds its place in the ‘Big Four’ fashion weeks, alongside Paris, Milan, and New York. It is one of the hottest events in the industry, dedicated to new looks, hairstyles, make-up, and incredible clothing designs. The event attracts significant press attention and operates as a key trade marketplace. Crucially, it is also oriented towards retail, making it accessible to the wider public. Following an increase in anti-fur protests, no fur products were featured at the event in 2018. More recently, in late 2024, a British Fashion Council representative announced that exotic skins, such as snake, reptile, and alligator, would be banned by 2025.
The 2025 season features the boldest and most innovative work from both established names and those who are just breaking into the industry. Household names like Burberry share the stage with contemporaries such as Supriya Lele. With over 80 designers, more than 100 brands, thousands of spectators, and extravagant models, the event captivates fashion enthusiasts.
Current Fashion Trends
Brands have successfully brought various popular London trends to the runway. The cool shade of blue known as icy blue is notable in the 2025 season. Maroon (burgundy) looks beautiful on both faux leather items and knitwear, adding a vivid touch to outfits, especially when rendered in materials like satin. Bold prints are also popular, with florals adding variety to the colour palette.
In terms of detailing, fringe is back in vogue. This dynamic embellishment adds movement to floor-length garments, including jackets, dresses, and skirts. London street style boldly mixes various tendencies—from classic designs to avant-garde statements. Bright colours, in particular, have been a returning feature for several seasons now.
The city’s street fashion is vibrant and highly individualistic. You can see every shade imaginable on the streets of London, from yellow to pink or green. Regardless of whether someone wants to stand out, this trend is certainly eye-catching. Fashionistas skilfully blend vintage pieces with designer items, creating stunning looks. This shows that people feel comfortable and confident in expressing their identity through their clothes.
The classic British pattern also remains perpetually popular in London fashion. Tartan fabric is used for shirts, skirts, coats, and even trousers. Plaid is an excellent way to introduce an element of British heritage into street style. The denim trend has also made a strong return. Classic denim helps Londoners achieve a relaxed, effortless look. While denim never truly goes out of fashion, its popularity continually ebbs and flows.
Popular Garments in London
Biker jackets have returned to both London runways and everyday wear. They have always symbolised independence and a rebellious spirit. In the new LFW season, designers like Simone Rocha and Erdem showcased versions of these jackets adorned with studs and piercings. A biker jacket can be confidently paired with dresses, jeans, or skirts.
No collection is complete without a sleeveless top (vest). Sporty casual fashion has dominated designer lines for years, and a simple vest is a wardrobe staple for every Londoner. Even Christian Dior has created refined, sporty-style vests. London fashionistas also love athletic, voluminous polo dresses and nylon or satin jackets, which they often wear even over sequinned gowns.
Another constant fixture on the London runways is the camisole or slip top, which always takes centre stage. Notably, there is a distinct focus on low waistlines and an elongated torso. This is evident in designer shows and quickly adopted by young women for their everyday looks. These trends help highlight individuality and create a graceful, elegant silhouette. Finally, one cannot overlook a key decorative element of the Autumn/Winter 2024-2025 collection: feathers. Bright plumage, used as an embellishment on coats and dresses, adds a touch of luxury and encourages bold experimentation.
In conclusion, London remains the central hub where runway novelties are swiftly integrated into contemporary everyday clothing. Experiments with materials, shapes, and detailing help draw attention, which is why Londoners so often follow fashion shows, diverse presentations, and collection viewings. It pays to keep up with the London Fashion Week schedule to be part of these grand changes and projects.