The Designers To Watch At London Fashion Week AW24
By
10 months ago
From Bora Aksu to Molly Goddard, these are the designers you won't want to miss...
The world’s fashion elite are about to descend on the UK capital for another edition of London Fashion Week, where designers from all over the world give us a preview of what’s to come next season. Back with a bang after a schedule rejig, LFW sets the stage for groundbreaking presentations, Insta-worthy runways and glamorous after-parties. Here, we’ve rounded up the designers and brands we’re most excited to see this season.
A Guide To London Fashion Week
Designers To Watch at London Fashion Week February 2024
Friday 16 February 2024
Paul Costelloe
Quintessentially British style comes in spade when it comes to Paul Costelloe. The Irish-American designer, who has built up his brand for over 45 years, is perhaps best known for being the personal designer to Diana, the Princess of Wales – but these days you can catch him presenting LFW shows that are big on romance, sophistication and craftsmanship.
When:Â Friday 16 February 2024 at 9am (catwalk)
EXPLORE:Â paulcostelloe.com
Bora Aksu
If there’s one thing British designer Bora Aksu knows how to do, it’s how to tell a story with his collections. A public favourite since his Central Saint Martins graduate show in 2002, the designer creates whimsically romantic designs that are hyper-feminine and gloriously colourful. Think dainty lace, bejewelled collars, flowing skirts and a sugary colour palette. Inspired by the past, many of Bora Aksu’s collections feature historical notes – from opera gloves and lace-up heeled boots to extravagant bows and lace lapels.
When:Â Friday 16 February 2024 at 11am (catwalk)
EXPLORE:Â boraaksu.com
Temperley London
Alice Temperley’s luxury fashion label is known for its vibrant blend of British eccentricity and bohemian spirit, having rooted its designs under the tenets of timeless silhouettes, intricate embellishments and exquisite craftsmanship. The brand’s wedding dress offering is always a standout for soon-to-be brides, but its LFW shows are just swoon-worth (if not more so). More recently, the brand announced a change-up to its business model so that it could focus on slow fashion and responsible practices within the industry.
When:Â Friday 16 February 2024 at 11am (preview appointments)
EXPLORE:Â temperleylondon.com
Saturday 17 February 2024
Molly Goddard
Born and raised in London, Molly Goddard is one of the rising stars of UK fashion design. Her designs combine large flowing shapes and excesses of fabric with an emphasis of volume, creating stunning silhouettes that maximise the wearer’s presence. Signature looks emphasise tulle, taffeta, organza and silk, in vibrant colours and shapes. By manipulating fabric, whether through hand-smocking, shirring or layering, Goddard has created a name for herself as a designer that can handle bold dramaticism while still being stylish and contemporary.
When: Saturday 17 February 2024 from 10.30am to 5.30pm (presentation)
EXPLORE:Â mollygoddard.com
Ahluwalia
Part of a new generation of London-based designers, Ahluwalia founder Priya Ahluwalia has quickly made her mark as one to watch during LFW. Specialising in menswear, Ahluwalia was set up in June 2018 after the designer graduated from Westminster University. The designer is perhaps best known for interweaving design techniques and materials from different cultures, bringing her Nigerian, Indian and British heritage together to form a new visual language. The majority of collections are also created using vintage and deadstock clothing.
When:Â Saturday 17 February 2024 at 4pm (catwalk)
EXPLORE:Â ahluwalia.world
Simone Rocha
Puffed sleeves, romantic silhouettes and feminine designs lie at the heart of Simone Rocha’s unique style. Already established as an internationally award-winning brand, Simone Rocha has three stand-alone stores in London, New York and Hong Kong. The Irish designer has been showing her collections as part of London Fashion Week since 2010, and continues to impress with collections that bring fashion into the realm of fine art. Be sure follow the brand on Instagram for dreamy colour palettes and embroidered fabrics.
When: Saturday 17 February at 6pm (catwalk)
EXPLORE:Â simonerocha.com
Richard Quinn
One of the most exciting designers on London’s fashion scene is Richard Quinn. The designer, who is based in the city, set up his label in 2017 (having spent several years prior developing his skills at Christian Dior and Savile Row) and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design in 2018. No one does a show quite like Richard Quinn – especially when it comes to theatrics. Think orchestral live music, ornately decorated backdrops and latex-clad ballet cats (a signature feature at any RQ show), which sets the scene for bold collections decked out in elaborate prints and sculptural silhouettes.
When:Â Saturday 17 February 2024 at 7pm (catwalk)
EXPLORE:Â richardquinn.com
Sunday 18 February 2024
Emilia Wickstead
If vintage-facing elegance is more your speed, you’ll want to keep an eye out for Emilia Wickstead. The brand, which was set up in 2008, started out as a made-to-measure atelier but quickly grew to encompass RTW, bridal and bespoke. In terms of visuals, Emilia Wickstead is perhaps best known for its craftsmanship, bold colours and elegant designs. Collections from Emilia Wickstead instantly deliver a shot of nostalgia – outfits fit in just as easily in a Golden Age Hollywood movie as they do on the streets of the UK capital – with shows doing plenty of storytelling.
When:Â Sunday 18 February 2024 at 10am (catwalk)
EXPLORE:Â emiliawickstead.com
JW Anderson
Award-winning British fashion label JW Anderson is something of a pop culture icon; if you don’t recognise its iconic pigeon purse, then you might be more familiar with that infamous Harry Styles patchwork cardigan (now in the V&A). The brand itself was founded in 2008 by Jonathan Anderson, and specialises in eccentric, playful collections that help the wearer build a stand-out personal style.
When:Â Sunday 18 February 2024 at 11am (catwalk)
EXPLORE:Â jwanderson.com
Monday 19 February 2024
Edeline Lee
Creating collections with the Future Lady in mind, Canadian-British designer Edeline Lee is known for her sophisticated visual style and collaborations with luminaries within the art, theatre, academic and film industries. When it comes to Fashion Week, Edeline Lee tends to push the boat out with theatrical immersive experiences that tumble out onto the streets of London.
When:Â Monday 19 February 2024 from 9.30am to 11.30am (presentation)
EXPLORE:Â edelinelee.com
yuhan wang
London womenswear brand yuhan wang launched in 2018, and has since become associated with celebrations of femininity under the lens of romantic nostalgia. The brand brings to life an aesthetic inspired by whimsical elegance, playing with hyper-femininity and understated beauty. In doing so, the brand also subversively de-constructs the traditional notions of female fragility and sensitivity. More broadly, the brand explores founder yuhan wang’s interest in the flux between the idea of traditional Chinese femininity and its connections to Western culture.
When: Monday 19 February 2024 at 10am (catwalk)
EXPLORE:Â yuhanwang.com
Susan Fang
Another London Fashion Week designer for your radar: meet Susan Fang, a creative who never shies away from the experimental. The LFW regular imbues her collections with both streetwear and sculptural pieces, and draws inspiration from the natural world and the art of handcrafting – resulting in ultra-feminine designs that are both maximalist and artfully curated. Expect plenty of pastels, beads, fractal patterns and sheer, delicate fabrics.
When:Â Monday 19 February 2024 at 2pm (catwalk)
EXPLORE:Â susanfangofficial.com
Burberry
We don’t know about you, but one of the first designer labels that comes to mind when we think of fashion is Burberry. The brand, which is a Royal Warrant holder, is one of the most recognisable in the world and has a rich history attached to it. Founded in 1856, the brand is famed for its classic trench (which has been revived and reworked over the years) as well as its signature plaid. When it comes to London Fashion Week, expect expertly tailored clothing, strong silhouettes and lots of layering.
When:Â Monday 19 February 2024 at 7pm (catwalk)
EXPLORE:Â uk.burberry.com
More London Fashion Week Designers
You can see the full lineup for London Fashion Week AW24 via londonfashionweek.co.uk
Featured image: Harris Reed SS24 (c) Jed Cullen for Dave Benett