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- Sew It Begins: Milan Fashion Week Takes the Stage
As we move onto the third and penultimate city of the S/S26 season we take a trip to Milan. The Italian fashion capital, known especially for its luxurious and elegant fashion. The shows begin today 23rd September! The Milan S/S26 fashion week is definitely going to turn some heads. Hosting over 55 physical shows (which are sure to display some of the best models in the biz) as well as 4 digital showings - totalling a whopping 59 presentations. Milan FW always sets trends and brings in a multitude of celebrities to the city. There are so many can’t miss shows to see at Milan fashion week (I would say there's more can’t miss shows at MFW than there were at NYFW & LFW combined!) And just wait until Paris FW! In my personal opinion I think they are always ordered in ascending order of how amazing and prestigious the fashion city is. And although I'm probably biassed because Paris is most definitely my soul city, it always seems to deliver the most amazing collections by the most talented designers. This MFW, I’ve split all the shows I think are worth watching into 3 separate categories to make it easier to prioritise which shows you want to watch! Hope it’s helpful - I know for sure I'll be calling in sick on the 25th September (Prada, Max Mara, Moschino, Roberto Cavalli, Armani, and Boss - all in one day. WTF) My personalised PDF for MFW is shown below (with colour coded categories)- And of course in case you want the plain & boring schedule here it is: Milan Fashion week pdf Can’t-Miss Shows Major names and fashion moments guaranteed to dominate headlines and social media. These are the ones every fashion lover should watch if you don’t have time to appreciate the more up-and-comers and debuting designers: Diesel - September 23 @ 3pm (kickoff) - Known for its wild, democratic, and performance centred shows, Diesel always sets a mischievous and unique tone to follow for the week. Fendi - September 24 @ 2pm - A polished return with Kim Jones’ modern interpretation of Italian elegance. Prada - September 25 @2pm - A midweek staple where Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons continue their legacy of intellectual elegance. (I’m so excited for this one after last years AMAZING and JAWDROPPING shoes. I was mind boggled.) Moschino - September 25 @5pm - Bold, theatrical, and always camp, Moschino loves to make headlines. To me it either ends up being underwhelming or is spectacular! Really hoping for the latter this season. Roberto Cavalli - September 25 @8pm - Think fierce femininity, animal prints, and powerful silhouettes that demand attention. I love the comeback and love that Roberto Cavalli has been getting recently and I'm so excited to see what Puglisi does for the house this season!! Blumarine - September 26 @11:30am - David Koma’s sophomore season post-Y2K revival continues to stir interest. Blumarine has been absolutely on the uprise in recent years, getting more and more iconic, so I'm intensely waiting to see if they can do it once more… Ferragamo - September 27 @11:30am - Under Maximilian Davis, the brand sharpens its modern identity with bold tailoring and rich tones. One to watch for sure. Dolce & Gabbana - September 27 @2:30pm - Sicilian glamour dialled to the max. D&G always bring it with their signature maximalist tailoring and sensual silhouettes, this show always delivers and fingers crossed it does once more. One of my favourite designers in recent years for sure. Giorgio Armani - September 28 @7pm (closing night) - Celebrating the brand’s 50th anniversary with a grand evening runway at Palazzo Brera. Debuts & Creative Director Shifts High-stake moments for heritage brands embracing new leadership, I personally cannot wait for Bottega Veneta (under Louise Trotter): Gucci (Demna) - September 23 @7pm - Demna Gvasalia’s debut for Gucci is one of the most anticipated creative transitions of the season. I am quite literally on the edge of my seat for all the creative director debuts happening this season. But I'm really eager to see which way Demna has taken it. Jil Sander (Simone Bellotti) - September 24 @10:30am - A fresh artistic direction for the minimalist house. Excited to see what Bellotti can bring to the iconic house. KNWLS – September 24 @8pm - After runway buzz in London, the duo brings their irreverent aesthetic to Milan. Versace (Dario Vitale) - September 26 @? - Though missing from the official runway schedule, Vitale’s debut is expected as an intimate presentation or video event. Fingers crossed this isn’t a rumour because Versace is such a good fashion house, that it desperately needs a comeback. Bottega Veneta (Louise Trotter) - September 27 @5pm - Under new creative leader Louise Trotter, who is about to have her first debut in the role, it’s expected to carry sculptural minimalism with renewed elegance. Which I couldn't be more excited to see. Trotter takes a graceful, minimalistic turn at the brand, one to watch closely. Trotter’s work is one of my favourites for its refined elegance and maximalist minimalism. Emerging Designers Although there aren't many I've listed on my personalised colour coded timetable, however there are a few emerging designers I would like to note: Francesco Murano - September 25 @ 7pm - Known for technical precision and buzz-worthy celebrity spotting, including a Beyoncé moment - iconic. Marco Rambaldi - September 26 @10:30am - Crochet artistic designer, who is valued and celebrated for his unique take on feminine aesthetics. Stella Jean - September 27 @1:30pm - Returning to the Milan schedule with her signature blend of Haitian-Italian heritage and ethical craftsmanship, spotlighting fashion as a vehicle for cultural storytelling. After such a remarkable display of talent has already emerged over the past 3 weeks from both NYFW and LFW. I am so thrilled to now be onto the two cities who always take the fashion world by storm, providing ample discussion points for months to come. Not that NYFW & LFW didn’t also do this, however we are most definitely onto the show stoppers of the month now with Milan going first. I have marked my calendars for so many shows! But the ones I am literally on the edge of my seat for are definitely: Diesel, Gucci, Fendi, Prada, Roberto Cavalli, Blumarine, Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta… RIP to the iconic, legendary designer Giorgio Armani And of course after the unfortunate death of Giorgio Armani earlier this month everyone will be in so much anticipation of the show! This collection will go down in history as it will be the last direct influence of Giorgio on the fashion house. I am sure time will stand still as the show takes place and there will be very much a bittersweet air of grief and excitement. I will of course be reporting live across the entire 6 day fashion week going through only the best and the worst, describing what was breathtaking and what was gag worthy (hopefully less of this one!) I couldn’t be more exhilarated waiting for these shows to take place and hopefully be left in awe of the groundbreaking talent - both well known and emerging designers have to offer this S/S26 season. See you soon for a much needed debrief!! With love, mimi xox
- Burberry SS26: The Trench Strikes Again (But Make It Fringe)
Look 1 Burberry’s Spring/Summer 2026 show, Daniel Lee’s 57‑look outing, arrived tonight in London packed with more colour, texture, and quintessential Burberry energy than I’ve seen in a while. Crochet is officially back. As is hot pink, plaid, and of course, the trench coat. That is, purely because Burberry says so! Obviously?! From the live stream, I saw fringe, scarves, surprising shades of greens, blues and of course hot pinks, all wrapped in what felt like an updated British signature. Burberry is a worldwide British favourite, and for good reason. It’s one of the most iconic houses. The front row was stacked: Anna Wintour, Sir Elton John, Jonathan Bailey, Olivia Dean, and so many more. The PR team must have been stressed! Let’s get into the show - Favourite Looks: 1, 5, 8, 10, 11, 14, 21, 24, 28, 29, 31, 33, 34, 37, 41, 44, 46, 51, 52, 54, 56 Patterns: Fringe, Plaid, Sequins, Crochet, Stripes, Circles, Paisley See the full collection here - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/burberry-prorsum#review The show opened with a banger - a mini trench in orange, yellow, and lime plaid, all criss-crossing in perfect harmony. And yes, I did predict the return of plaid in my earlier trend blog, so we’ll take that as a win. It was giving classic Burberry, but younger, cooler, and with more citrus energy. Obsessed. Yes they did a lot of trenches, and some may say it was too repetitive or predictable - but why not? Burberry practically invented the trench coat. This season, they debuted trenches in icy blues with hanging fringe (Look 21 - below), plaited detail and fringe dripping from fingertips. Then rust orange (Look 28), I’d normally hate rust, but the underlying floral mini dress peeking out made it semi - bearable to look at. ABOVE - LOOKS (in order) 34, 41, 21 Then came the paisley trenches in suede, more subtle until you get near: textured, feelable, intricate. Look 34 featured a full-length deep brown suede paisley trench + a hot pink scarf. Loved it so much. A colour combo I never knew would look so good together. I need to try it immediately! Look 37 and 41 (above) echoed that same paisley pattern but in lighter browns. Best twist on the classic Burberry trench I’ve seen in ages. Patterns were everywhere: plaid mini trenches (opening look), fringe edging on sleeves, metallic finishes, checks, crochet fabrics. Scarves, light and spring‑friendly, made multiple appearances - not heavy winter iterations, but enough to feel deliberate. Could this work for spring? Some of the crochet / knit looks stood out big time. Look 14: knit with gold circular chips sewn in so it wasn’t just sheer, interesting and wearable. Capri-style wide-leg trousers were my favourite stand out! Made in plaid, and the hem was finished off with a few inches of metallic circular embellishments (Look 31- below and Look 29 especially). Other looks (44, 46 - below , 51) featured crocheted circular pieces sewn in the same place on capri style trousers - finishing just above the ankle, so Burberry are quite clearly claiming this length as the trouser for SS26! I will 100% be climbing the board for that movement. ABOVE - LOOKS (in order) 31, 5, 46 Let’s talk accessories… but not in the usual “here’s a bag that’s louder than the outfit” kind of way. This season, Burberry kept them minimal, complementary, and honestly? Kinda classy. The bags were there, they did their job. But the real MVP? Scarves. Yep, according to Daniel Lee, scarves for spring are the moment . Now, I know what you’re thinking. Scarves? For spring? But hear me out - these weren’t chunky knits. Think thin, floaty, slinky little things draped over the shoulders and styled like a nod to British unpredictability (it does still rain in April, after all). They added texture and variety without being too overwhelming, and I loved that. And the setting really helped sell the whole vibe. Models walked across what looked like a sandy, slightly dirty floor, not quite a beach, not quite a construction site! With a backdrop of dreamy sky and clouds behind them. It felt earthy, grounded, and kind of magical all at once. A very British spring day: moody but hopeful. The sky’s clear, but your feet are still covered in dirt. Look 56 Finale pieces were so well thought out as well! A sharp green tailored two‑piece (Look 55); then Look 56 (on right) - a pink sequin mini dress patterned with green & yellow plaid, paired with a slouchy matching bag and really cool brown ankle boots (with matching pink rim sunglasses because why not). Then closing with Look 57 - a menswear look: hot pink bomber jacket as centrepiece, echoing the pink of the mini dress on one side and the green suit on the other. So satisfying, visually. What impressed me was that Lee didn’t just recycle the iconic stuff (trench, check); he reimagined it. Trench coats with fringe and suede paisley underlays, crochet and knit mixed with plaid/ checks/ metallics, playfulness with colour (hot pinks, acid tones, rust) but still with structure. It feels very much like Burberry with more permission for fun, freedom and creativity! As someone who’s long admired Burberry, I expected something strong tonight and I received exactly that. It’s inspired me to start wearing my trench for Autumn now and has put a brilliant full stop on an exceptional London Fashion Week season. Goodbye for now, Burberry. With love, Mimi x
- LFW (22nd) SS26: Goodbye London, hello Gucci?
God, how time works in mysterious ways. This London Fashion Week has flown by ridiculously fast. What the hell. I mean not to brag but my LFW was filled with 5 days of back to back castings, eating many salads and writing every chance I got to please all of you loyal readers. Then I got a show and successfully walked and closed the runway (not sure if you heard) AHH. Still cannot get over it, and after getting back from said runway had to catch up on all the wide range of talent from yesterdays shows which eneded up bringing me to 4am this morning. Not the best choice. But that brings me to now, when I am about to start writing the recap for the fifth and final day of London Fashion Week. Starting with a wildcard from Gucci who (not in London) released a digital look-book of their new SS26 Collection randomly and had everyone in shock... Gucci?!?! "La Star" What? 36 hours before the scheduled show in Milan on 23rd September Gucci, under new creative direction by Demna unveiled a surprise lookbook ahead of the scheduled film-format Milan presentation tomorrow evening. A brilliant play by Demna to add anticipation and gain traction to the Gucci SS26 Collection. Each of the 38 looks were shown on different models including Alex Consani, and Lila Moss (they could be walking tomorrow) and were presented in unique photo frames with plaques naming all the different looks! From “La Diva” to “Primadonna” I am successfully on the edge of my seat for tomorrow's show. See full mic-drop moment here - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/gucci Rory William Docherty - 22nd @10am I’ve had my eye on Rory William Docherty for a while now, and his first solo show at London Fashion Week definitely didn’t disappoint. In a fashion world where standing out is near-impossible, this emerging designer just proved he has a place in the most competitive industry in the world! The 30-look collection felt like a glimpse into a dystopian future, where sharp tailoring meets survivalist energy. There were futuristic straw hats, dramatic boxy silhouettes, beaded accessories that looked almost ceremonial, and the kind of fabric pairings that felt raw but refined - like he was dressing for both the and the red carpet. One of my favourite looks had to be Look 12 (on the left) a cropped green tweed blazer covered in these huge, conker-like embellishments. It was weird, wonderful, and totally unforgettable. Underneath was a black and orange tie-dye shirt with a built-in tie! Paired with lime green trousers. It felt like a weird punk academia meets a dystopian post-apocalyptic garden party. Obsessed. Throughout the collection, there was this consistent push and pull between chaos and control. Look 24 (shown above), for example, had a cropped pink trench layered over an olive green shirt with a wild, tethered collar - topped off with a lime green tie and matching trousers. It was bold, offbeat, and totally Rory. He also played with sheer fabrics, distressed knits, and experimental shapes that added to the otherworldly vibe. And those accessories, the bags, the headpieces, the giant beaded necklaces - all felt very futuristic, like another dimension. Rory William Docherty’s SS26 debut wasn’t just a fashion show; it was full of vision. One that’s strange, bold, beautifully uncomfortable, and very, very exciting! See the full collection here - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/rory-william-docherty/slideshow/collection Susan Fang - 22nd @12pm Susan Fang’s SS26 show was surreal. I loved every second of it. It felt very dreamlike, and you can see why when you see the collection. The runway had models weaving through lush, jungle-like surroundings, setting the stage for what became one of the most cohesive and enchanting collections of the season. Look 1 The opener? Show-stopping. (Shown on left) A jacket and skirt covered in individual square glass beads, stitched into panels and creating a rainbow hue effect. It was intricate, powerful, and honestly, one of the most compelling opening looks I’ve seen this season. From that moment, I just knew Susan was about to deliver. Footwear had its own moment too - particularly those fluffy boots in Look 11 and Look 23, wide-fitting and ribboned to perfection. That same fluffy texture later reappeared in a genius ballet flat–slipper hybrid that looked ridiculously comfortable but also super cool. And a very big surprise element? Nike! Whether it was the black tee layered under a sheer dress (Look 22) or the blue-tick socks in Look 24 (shown below) paired with oversized blue shoes, the sporty branding worked seamlessly. It added an unexpected urban twist to Fang’s ethereal aesthetic - and the affiliation didn’t seem tacky or weird it felt cohesive and well done. Accessories were another highlight. Chunky beaded necklaces, whimsical glass details, and that jaw-dropping headpiece in Look 26! Which helped make the collection feel like wearable art. And let’s talk bridal, because Looks 29 and 32 (shown on right) served fairytale elegance. Sweeping white gowns with delicate veils, beaded headpieces, clear crystal beads dropping down the fabrics like rain and drops of muted colours if you looked hard enough. Gel shoes, floating textures, beadwork, softness… This collection was thoughtful, tactile, and totally transportive. Across 34 looks, the vibe stayed strong: dreamy, experimental, and emotionally light. This collection definitely felt otherworldly, and I would definitely live in that world. See the full collection here - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/susan-fang#review Conner Ives - 22nd @2pm Traditionally a February fixture, Conner Ives made his high-profile return to LFW this September with a collection that delivered everything I hoped for and more. Fresh off the back of his politically-charged “Protect the Dolls” drop (where all proceeds went to TransLifeline), Ives has cemented himself as a designer who not only talks the talk but actively uses his platform to amplify trans rights. That energy was loud and clear on the runway. The casting spoke volumes. Trans women were front and centre, in fact, more trans models walked than not, and it felt so right. Authentic. Expected. This is exactly what Conner Ives is about. Just two looks in and Iris Law (shown below) appeared in a sheer pink halter-neck mini dress with a matching headscarf, nude underwear, and the most jaw-dropping lime green heels adorned with dangling brown beads. These same shoes appeared again in hot pink - and I need them in my wardrobe immediately. One thing about this collection? The details were everything. Unicorn “Never Give Up” badges (Look 5), bejewelled sheer trousers in Look 24 (insane embellishment paired with a green blazer and the hot pink heels), and the feather-trimmed drama of Look 26 (on the right), where two oversized feathers framed the model’s neck like wings. Then came the final two looks - Look 29: a black maxi covered in 3D circular discs. Look 30: fully chainmail, completely sheer, hood included, styled with lime green knickers. Bold, brave, and so wearable in its own otherworldly way. There was serious play with colour blocking throughout, including royal purples with lime greens, deep blues with electric pinks. Look 12 deserves a moment too: a shimmering pink sequin dress paired with a lily sequin headpiece tucked delicately behind the model’s ear. It was all so feminine, so celebratory, and so cool . Beads, sequins, feathers, embellishment overload, but somehow never overwhelming. Even the baby doll tees and dresses, usually tricky to pull off, felt genuinely chic. What sets Ives apart isn’t just his eye for bold styling or his love for maximalism. It’s his commitment to creating space in an industry that so often leaves people out. This was a whole movement, there was a deeper meaning to this show. It was one of the most diverse, inclusive, and emotionally resonant runways we’ve seen this season. Conner Ives is in his own lane - and thank god for that. See the full collection here - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/conner-ives#review Nanushka - 22nd @5pm Look 10 Nanushka delivered a grounded but glowing SS26 collection this season, the kind that quietly builds its power through detail, texture, and, most of all, accessories. The show opened with a classic trench shape, but all eyes were on the chunky leather waist belt cascading with rows of beads - setting the tone for the next-level accessorising seen throughout the collection. The jewellery was bold . Massive necklaces hung like armour, especially in Look 3, where a sleek black two-piece suit was totally transformed by an oversized gold beaded necklace that covered the model’s bare chest beneath the blazer. Suddenly, it wasn’t just tailoring, it was power dressing in its truest form. I also loved Look 10, which was one of my faves, which played with silhouettes in a striped micro short/long sleeve bodysuit. So playful. So spring. And don’t even get me started on the tassel earrings - subtle but impactful. Suede also made a clever appearance, especially in the shoes (a trend I’m clocking everywhere right now). And those oversized beads? They weren’t just around the neck, they popped up on sandals (Look 6), oyster-shaped brooches, and even falling from the hems of menswear suits. Pattern mixing was a bit hit-and-miss for me - Look 9 (shown below) for example had an orange striped scarf, a floral shirt and tiger print trousers. Not my personal pick, it was very bold, but the chunky leather belt holding it all together? Gorgeous. I’ll take that. The closing look (shown on right) wrapped everything up perfectly: a dual-zip jacket with a raised collar, paired with a classic Nanushka gold necklace, a chunky belt and colour-block trousers. Clean, polished, and just the right amount of edge. This collection wasn’t trying too hard, it was full of elevated basics with some killer Ready-to-Wear thrown in at times and that’s exactly why it worked. Elevated basics, clever layering, and serious accessories. Love, love, love. See the full collection here - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/nanushka#review Goodbye London Fashion Week This SS26 season at LFW has been amazing! So much more emerging talent than I thought there would be, loved seeing the new faces debut and comment on their most impresive designs yet. Hopefully many of them return for AW26 in February's Season. Goodbye for now LFW, this season has been a blast. The adrenaline was high, the lows were also low and I walked my first ever runway! SS26 Season you will never be forgotten. Love you forever. With love, Mimi x
- Simone Rocha SS26: Pillows, Pearls & Plastic
At Simone Rocha today, we got exactly what we expected, and that’s not a bad thing. A packed, deliberate, and dramatically cohesive collection, delivered in classic Rocha fashion: full of bows, tulle, red silks, and emotional storytelling. Look 54 The venue itself was London’s Mansion House, it was regal, moody, and the perfect match for Rocha’s night-themed dreamscape. The theme? Pillow talk, meets princess, and a post-party melancholy. Think: sheer slips, satin bedsheets turned dresses, and actual ruffled pillows held that hinted to late-night vulnerability. The crowd was just as on-brand. British fashion royalty like Vogue’s Julia Hobbs (wearing a divine Simone Rocha slip dress) rubbed shoulders with international icons like Julia Fox. The room buzzed with energy, anticipation, and admiration. Simone Rocha isn’t just a British fave, she’s global. Known for her intricate and unapologetically feminine aesthetic, she continues to draw from deeply emotional narratives, creating collections that feel like beautiful, cinematic heartbreak. And from Mimi herself? I’m obsessed. Rocha has been one of my favourite British designers for years - and she’s lovely in person, too. My claim to fame? Once at a casting, she referred to me as “the girl in the big boots.” Then proceeded to not book me. Classic. Let’s get into the show - Favourite Looks: 1, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 19, 20, 32, 33, 34, 38, 41, 44, 50, 53, 54 Colour Palette: Silver, Pink, Beige, Lime, Mint, Red, Blue See the full collection here - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/simone-rocha/slideshow/collection The SS26 collection brought Rocha’s signatures front and centre: bow motifs, delicate florals, and her staple palette of rich reds and romantic pinks. But this season also introduced new textures and layers. Sequins and silvers brought a glimmering, moonlit energy, paired with mountains of tulle and soft pastel sheers. There was something strikingly beautiful about seeing a traditionally masculine man in silver micro-shorts and a frilly, pearl-embellished blouse. What truly stood out was Rocha’s use of plastic. Yes, plastic, but this was plastic done her way. Transparent trench coats were layered over floral jackets and sheer lace dresses, adorned with pearls, glitter, and subtle sparkle. Somehow, she made PVC feel romantic. It didn’t look cheap, but instead it looked elevated, protective, almost like a glass case guarding a precious piece underneath. ABOVE - LOOKS (in order) 44,11, 9 The colour palette echoed Rocha’s emotional range: soft pinks, beiges, and mints sat beside moody reds, icy blues, and plenty of shimmering silver. Lime made a surprise appearance too, injecting a hit of boldness amid the softness, which also worked beautifully with the real lilies that showed up in many of the tailored looks in this collection - tucked into shirt pockets or hanging from the waist perfectly - Loved this detail! But Rocha isn’t all about aesthetics. Her work constantly tugs at something deeper - emotion, gender fluidity, romance, fragility. This season especially felt like a love letter to vulnerability and softness, in all its forms. It played with the contrast of strength and delicacy: men in lace, women in structured tailoring softened by tulle, everyone somewhere between dreaming and waking. And yes, the new ballerina platform Crocs collaboration made their way in, styled perfectly beneath ornate gowns. Somehow, it worked. Simone Rocha can make both rubber shoes and plastic feel runway-worthy. Rocha stayed defiantly in her own world. Once again reminding us that vulnerability can be powerful, and that fashion, when done right, can feel like poetry. With love, Mimi x
- Erdem SS26: Romantic, and Absolutely Genius
Look 3 Set against the dramatic façade of the British Museum, Erdem’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection unfurled like a cinematic dream. The 43-look show drew its usual crowd of fashion royalty, including a front row appearance from none other than Anna Wintour herself!!! As the models stepped into the London sunlight, draped in Erdem Moralıoğlu’s signature romance with a twist. Erdem has long been synonymous with poetic femininity, and this season was no exception. The designer leaned confidently into his house codes: romantic tailoring, decadent lace, Victorian corsetry, and high-neck silhouettes were delivered with both restraint and flourish. There was a couture-level attention to detail, with cascading floral appliqué, bejewelled embroidery, and carefully distressed threadwork that whispered of age, memory, and rebirth. Let’s get into the show - Favourite Looks: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 21, 24, 28, 29, 36, 37, 39, 41, 42, 43 See the full collection here - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/erdem#review The show opened with a jaw-dropping statement - a mini dress fully encrusted in lace and appliqué with accentuated hips, a high neckline, and an almost armour-like construction (Look 1 & 3). It felt regal, and elegant. Several dresses echoed this silhouette throughout the collection in different colour-ways, making it feel both consistent and ever-surprising. Look 41 One of the most breathtaking elements was Erdem’s use of lace, not just as a trim or fabric but as an artistic medium. Look 41 was arguably one of the most genius pieces of the season. An all-lace dress with a corseted waist and flared hips, it featured black threads that fell like ink across the fabric. Upon closer inspection, the threads resembled numbers and symbols trailing toward what appeared to be an electricity outlet sewn to the dress with threads coming out!!! MINDBLOWING! It was as if the dress itself was writing its own story through an electric pulse. It was nothing short of revolutionary. Fashion as communication, literally. From looks 28 through 35, the vibe shifted into a more traditionally spring-summer mood. Think bold pinks, botanical greens, and soft blues floating down the runway in airy chiffon dresses that billowed in the breeze. These looks were perfect for both garden luncheons and red carpet moments, they were effortless but elevated, playful but poised. The colour palette across the collection was rooted in contrast: creamy whites and soft pastels met moody blacks and earthy browns, punctuated by flashes of bright colour. There were green, blue, red, and soft florals, often peeking out from under skirts or accenting shoes, ballet style shoes with ankle ties added an elegant, romantic finish to many of the looks. ABOVE - LOOKS (in order) 28, 5, 36 Another standout moment? Looks 36 and 37, nearing the end of the collection with twin crocheted dresses, one white and one black, crafted from circular floral pieces delicately joined together. With ruched high necks and beaded detailing, they struck the perfect balance between handcrafted and modern. What I love about Erdem, and what always makes him stand out on the London Fashion Week lineup, is how he balances history and modernity without it ever feeling forced. There’s always a strong story behind his work, like you can almost sense the woman he’s designing for. She’s complex, powerful, a little mysterious… definitely not just there to look pretty. But at the same time, there’s this really fresh, forward-thinking edge , not just in the fabrics or silhouettes, but in the actual ideas . I mean, digitised lace that looks like it’s writing its own story? Genius. SS26 proved, yet again, that Erdem doesn’t play it safe when it comes to femininity. The tailoring was sharp, the embellishments felt emotional, and the whole vibe? Romantic, but also bold, brainy, and totally electrified. I loved it. With love, Mimi x
- LFW (21st) SS26: I walked a Show & Otherworldly Collections Debuted...
My Looks today! Ahhhhhh. It’s show day. I am so super nervous but I’m sure it will be fine! Call time is 1:30 so I’m about to head up! Gosh I hope the shoes aren’t ridiculously high. Praying for some flats or wedge heels (only because I know many people of influence will be there and I cannot face falling over in front of some of fashion's elite!) As well as my nervous breakdown, our marketing assistant has just stepped into the realm of Marques A’lmeida to intern for the day and help with the show - keep an eye out for her story about what goes on behind-the-scenes of a runway production, coming later this month. And as for me, of course I won’t let my modelling success pull me away from writing for you all. I will be catching up on London’s big third day of shows as soon as I get home, and reporting on all the amazing shows occurring today. Including Simone Rocha, Erdem, and Emilia Wickstead! Talia Byre - 21st @10am Talia Byre just launched her first official collection at London Fashion Week! We were expecting her usual conceptual depth and emotional resonance from her breakout show, and with a 25 look collection full of flowy silhouettes, stripes, and unique colour combinations I think this was achieved. Stripes ran throughout the entire collection, beginning first with a bold colour combination of diagonal red and green. It felt more Christmas than Spring, one look (1) had a pair of horizontally striped trousers that bear a high resemblance to what I imagine an elf would wear - paired with sheep-skin ankle boots which are worn by many of the models, again very winter orientated. I’m not sure about the colour palette for these particular looks! However other pieces were definitely more spring/ summer with more muted stripes showing throughout the collection and some really cool hooded jackets in a perfect pale blue shade! The accessorising was also very strong, with sunglass cases hanging from the neck in various leathers, large leather bags and even some interesting hats on show. For a breakout collection I think Talia Byre has a lot of potential, the green and red just weren’t for me, but there were some really cool pieces displayed and some of the pops of colour really worked well to accentuate the main white in a lot of the looks. See the full collection here - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/talia-byre/slideshow/collection Ashley Williams - 21st @? This show was kind of weird. One of my friends walked it, which is what brought it to my attention in the first place. Although it was notably missing from the official London Fashion Week schedule, the Ashley Williams Spring/Summer 2026 collection still found its way onto Vogue Runway - and it’s not hard to see why. The models paraded down the runway wearing what can only be described as horrifically applied synthetic wigs in violently bright colours, sickly shades of pink, purple, electric blue, and neon yellow. It felt intentional, but also slightly like a fever dream. Like a kids’ party gone coquette punk. Across the 42 looks, the tone stayed semi-weird, with a girlish, coquette / cosplay vibe that embraced childish innocence with a not-so-innocent twist. There were floral nighties, baby tees, and printed mini skirts covered in cats, teddy bears, and toy-like illustrations, evoking a kind of nostalgia. At moments, it felt like 2014 was having a chaotic comeback - but just as things leaned a little too childish, subtle pirate touches crept in, disrupting the sweetness just enough to keep things off-kilter. The juxtaposition didn’t always work - but maybe that was the point. According to Vogue’s review, Williams wanted the collection to feel like a “fantasy wardrobe” for girls who make their own stories - which makes complete sense when looking at it. There’s definitely a sense of self-made identity here, with outfits that look like they’ve been styled by raiding your childhood toy box and your older sister’s wardrobe in one go. While it’s easy to criticise the chaotic styling or the seemingly random references, there’s also something undeniably fun about this collection. It doesn’t ask to be taken seriously. It pokes fun at itself, leans into kitsch, and dares to be ugly. In an era where fashion sometimes feels overly curated and algorithm-pleasing, Ashley Williams reminded me today that fashion is made to be fun, and a bit weird. See the full collection here - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/ashley-williams/slideshow/collection Tove - 21st @1pm In the six years since its launch, Tove has quietly but confidently established itself as the go-to brand for women over 35, and this season proved exactly why. Across 34 looks, the Spring/Summer 2026 collection delivered what Tove does best: ankle-grazing dresses, high necklines, leather, and long coats, all twisted, draped, and cut in feminine yet refined ways. There’s a simplicity in the silhouettes that speaks to an older client base, no fuss, no flash, just considered clothes in luxurious fabrics. The palette stayed mostly neutral, with soft creams and earthy tones broken up by pops of colour: orangey yellow, pale pink, navy, and a standout turquoise blue. That turquoise leather - seen in trenches, skirts, shirts, and belts in looks 26 and 27, was a quiet showstopper. To some, this collection might seem "boring," but I saw something else entirely. Tove isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, it’s speaking directly to women who’ve already found their power and don’t need clothes to scream on their behalf. The crowd, filled with London-based women deep in the fashion industry, was a huge testament to that. Tove caters to middle-aged women, and honestly, I love that for them. The world doesn’t need another brand chasing the 20-something market. These are clothes that can give women their confidence back - luxurious, elegant, and just unique enough to feel special, but never overwhelming. See the full collection here - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/tove/slideshow/collection Emilia Wickstead - 21st @2pm This afternoon, editors and buyers squeezed into Emilia Wickstead’s Sloane Street flagship - not to shop, but to see her SS26 collection. The space was transformed into a refined salon-style setup, with wooden chairs weaving through each room. Wickstead says she “actually designed the Sloane Street store to be a show space,” as she explained at the preview. “It feels nice to invite everyone into the house we’ve built.” Across 35 looks, Wickstead did what she does best: polished tailoring, ladylike silhouettes, and clean simplicity. There were elegant plaid details (I did predict its return!), subtle prints on ties (see Look 3), and a few corseted dresses and denim tailoring moments. Florals made their expected spring return, but one standout detail caught my eye - in Looks 12 and 29, floral mini skirts were cleverly overlaid with sheer plaid, creating a hybrid fabric effect that felt fresh and intentional. Another highlight was the use of a 3D raised-texture fabric, especially in Looks 25, 26, and 33, which gave an otherwise more simplistic lineup a more detailed and sculptural edge. That said, while the craftsmanship was undeniable, I can’t say the collection left me breathless. It leaned towards minimal and casual, wearable, yes, but at times almost too wearable. Some pieces felt like they could’ve come from high-end Zara. I respect the quiet elegance, but compared to other shows this week, it didn’t quite hit as much. See the full collection here - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/emilia-wickstead/slideshow/collection Marques A’lmeida - September 21st @3pm This 47 look Spring/ Summer collection featured powerful combover hair styles, paired with elegant and clean silhouettes. With a colour palette of olive, burgundy, black, red, champagne, blue, pink and of course butter yellow. They were 100% on trend with what’s currently going on as well as what could be super hot in SS26. Olive for sure is a clever pick. This one was a special one for us because Mimi had two friends incorporated within the show! Our marketing assistant was helping dress the models, one of which included a close friend of Mimi’s. What a small world. Hence the excitement for the show, and the excitement was worth it. Some unique and lovely denim pieces filtered through within the collection, coming mid-way through the collection after a myriad of pastels and florals, which was a nice change of pace. I was expecting some raw-edged denim as they usually pull, and that we got - however with an elegant and more sophisticated twist. The denim was done with a dark and cloudy wash, and clever structuring. A photo from our marketing assistant Our marketing assistant is going to write all about her experience first-hand working as an intern, but as a preview she said the show was really cool, and very inclusive. They had all ages, hair colours, etc as well as even a baby and a pregnant lady walking the runway - catering directly to real human scenarios which gave a humanistic touch to what can sometimes seem very closed off from the outside world! There was a distinctly youthful energy as this creative duo continued to champion experimental London fashion with a punch of 2010s nostalgia and Gen-Z grit. This was a standout show for me, with or without the personal connections, for those who love directional, subversive fashion. Keep the name in mind for the future! See the full collection here - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/marques-almeida/slideshow/collection Dilara Findikoglu - 21st @9pm!!! Um. I’ve just checked the Vogue Runway website as per usual (it’s a religion at this point) and stumbled across this otherworldly designer - Dilara Findikoglu. How have I never heard of you before? This was not just a fashion show. Models were covered in mud, some crying as they walked down the runway, twigs tangled in their hair, face coverings that actually disabled them from seeing (Look 4). This was art. Performance. Some looked possessed, others as if drowning in their own sorrows. One even had a horse mouthpiece on - potentially a comment on animal abuse, or vulnerability, or both? The collection itself was insane. Ruffles everywhere: neckpieces, lace, leather, high-neck silhouettes, and LOTS of silver hardware, even punky spikes poking out from belts. Look 6? The models eyebrows were replaced with hanging silver hardware that delicately fell to her nose. Genius and terrifying in equal measure. Look 24 was so unique: cherries cascading down a plain beige-transparent corset, with cherry-stained arms and feet - the detail even extended to hands and toes. One model looked as if an entire jewellery shop had been glued to her face. And then Look 27 - ethereal, utterly unique, breathtaking. It reminded me how wide-reaching design can be when you refuse to play it safe. No wonder the crowd loved it, I mean Naomi Campbell strutted out for Look 28 in an all-black corset dress with matching sleeves and layers of hardware-heavy necklaces. Look 29? Amelia Gray in a monochromatic red outfit with hardware dangling from her head. Absolutely bonkers. Dilara Findikoglu SS26 is proof that fashion can be terrifying, raw, and emotional - a full-blown performance that leaves you reeling. I don’t just want to see her next collection; I want to be invited and involved any way I can! See the full collection here - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/dilara-findikoglu#review Lots happened today... I successfully walked my first LFW show today! It was so nervewracking, I had all eyes on me for a brief period of time and then It was done (until I had to do it again 5 minutes later in my second look). The adrenaline is going to last me a lifetime, I truly wish everyone got to feel like this at one point or another in their lifetime. It is one hell of an experience and one I won't forget ever - especially because I closed the show too!! AHHHH I will of course be writing more about this experience - just once the fashion month is beyond us because my poor laptop is writing at least 4000 words a day as it is! With only one day left of London Fashion Week, and most of the major shows out of the way - bar one! We only have Burberry left, a cult British classic, and for good reason. I will of course be writing all about it... With love, Mimi x
- LFW (20th) SS26: Runway Roundup & Exciting News!
The second full day of London Fashion Week is upon us today ladies and gents! With a lot of really cool up-and-comers on display throughout the day I will of course be writing about only the best and most WOW collections! However first I must mic-drop some information... I was confirmed for a show today! I will be walking a show tomorrow at LFW! I am buzzing, that massively long casting I wrote about 2 days ago clearly paid off because they booked me! I am super excited! But for now let's catch up on today's affairs. Starting off very strong with Patrick McDowell. Patrick McDowell - 20th @10am Look 25 Patrick McDowell’s Spring 2026 show marked his ready-to-wear debut at London Fashion Week, hot on the heels of receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. True to his ethos, the collection championed sustainability and craftsmanship as each piece is only going to be produced in limited runs of just 5–60 units and complete with a digital product passport (very ethical). Simplistic silhouettes and precise tailoring defined the collection, with cropped trench coats as a recurring staple. Blurred poppy prints nodded to both spring florals and Remembrance Day - a meaningful, McDowell-style twist on the “groundbreaking” florals for spring trope. The embroidery and appliqué were show -stopping, particularly on Look 18 (below): a skirt-and-blazer set adorned with silver floral buttons, black velvet roses, and green silk stems. The 25-look show closed with two breathtaking bridal-style designs, one a two piece suit, and the final gown (shown above) featuring cascading white flowers, black ribbons, and a complete horseshoe tied to the right hip with black flowers holding it on! A symbolic, sentimental end. Fusing bespoke techniques with everyday elegance, McDowell’s debut ready-to-wear offering was thoughtful, theatrical, and beautifully executed. See the full collection here - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/patrick-mcdowell/slideshow/collection Toga - 20th @1pm Toga’s Spring/Summer 2026 ready‑to‑wear collection by Yasuko Furuta continued the brand’s signature blend of duality, leaning into contrasts of softness vs edge. Quiet tailoring and clean lines are balanced with unexpected, playful details. The imagery and silhouettes shown throughout this collection hint towards a refined palette, more Toga than before. The mood feels both wearable and artful, with just enough twist to avoid predictability. The use of prints throughout the collection is very clever, hints of a floral or a plaid or even a bold fruit print will pop out from under strictly tailored pieces to add a hint of fun and uniqueness to the pieces. Some of the key looks included sharp tops with relaxed hems, looks that play with proportion (think lengths and looseness, sometimes offset with tighter tailoring), and layering that mixes textures. Fabrics ranged from crisp to soft, with drape and structure both appearing across different looks. Accessories were mainly kept to a thoughtful minimum, however there are silver hardware details pronounced throughout the collection, supporting the main garments rather than overwhelming them. The show feels designed for someone who wants something off‑beat but still fundamentally practical, there were many strong ready-to-wear pieces, with a few looks that were elevated for more drama and event-wear! Look 15 Such as my favourite look from the collection, Look 15. A crisp, architectural spirit dominates: a sharply tailored cropped blazer with a strong shoulder line is paired with a matching mini-skirt with accentuated waist. The gap between skirt and blazer accentuates the waist through an under layered body-suit paired with black leather belt. It is unique and unconventional, giving the silhouette both structure and fluidity. This look is definitely modern, yet equally wearable, Toga brings pieces through this collection that speak with confidence without being too bold. See the full collection here - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/toga/slideshow/collection Ahluwalia - 20th @2pm Priya Ahluwalia’s SS26 sees her signature fusion of cultural heritage and fluid silhouettes evolve further. The collection blends relaxed tailoring with layering, think oversized jackets, drapey trousers, and soft shirts pairing with streetwear staples. SS26 had evolved staples for the designer - fringing, knit, prints, embellishments etc. Textures and prints played a supporting but strong role: subtle graphic work, potentially done through tie‑dye or tonal distortions, which were then contrasted with solid pieces, lending softness and movement. The mood feels grounded, warm, wearable, but with punctuation: unexpected cuts, asymmetry, detachable or adjustable elements. What’s especially striking is how Ahluwalia leans consistently into identity and personal narrative. Accessories and detailing are thoughtful - visible seams, interesting notions of “unfinished” or deconstructed edges, sometimes raw hems, but all feeling intentional rather than rough. There’s a sense of dialogue: the everyday and the elevated, comfort and construction. Overall, it’s a collection that underscores Ahluwalia’s strength in making pieces that feel both meaningful and ready for real life. See the full collection here - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/ahluwalia-studio/slideshow/collection Roksanda - 20th @5pm Roksanda’s SS26 collection showed designer Roksanda Ilinčić reinforcing her signature strengths: bold colour, sculptural volume, and a strong sense of form. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this season, we were expecting a bold collection to honour the Roksanda legacy. This was 100% completed with remarkably bold silhouettes appearing throughout the 32 look collection. This collection leaned into a signature flair for drama, with striking silhouettes, sweeping gowns, and architectural draping that echo movement and fluidity. Bold colour-blocking and unexpected combinations including bright orange, royal blue, and even dip-dye effects (as seen in Look 12 - shown above) - inject vibrancy into the lineup, alongside clever contrasts between structured tailoring and softer, more romantic elements. Among the lineup, bold bordering-on-couture looks sit alongside more subdued everyday pieces, creating a deliberate juxtaposition. Fringing emerged as a prominent trend, adding texture and motion throughout - including some really cool tassel bags! A standout orange jacket - Look 9 shown on left - felt punchy and powerful, while some simpler office-style fabrics offered balance, and borderline Zara vibes. Not every experiment landed - certain paper, tinsel-like looks arguably veered into tacky territory, but overall, the collection showed strong creative direction. While there are undeniable show-stoppers, much of the collection’s impact lies in its craftsmanship and attention to detail - a thoughtful harmony between the dramatic and the wearable. See the full collection here - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/roksanda/slideshow/collection Richard Quinn - 20th @7pm Look 1 Naomi Campbell just opened for Richard Quinn SS26. WOW. WHAT. HOW. This collection was superb, you know when you can just tell when a designer loves women and makes them feel beautiful with fashion. Richard Quinn just successfully did this. Naomi Campbell for starters, opened up the picturesque runway in front of a live orchestra wearing a beautiful fitted black velvet maxi dress, with a white flower appliqued to the chest and white shoulders swooping across the back elegantly. This look set up the trajectory of the other 55 looks to come, with more florals dispersed throughout the collection, among meticulously magnificent beadwork embellishments. The collection is made up of 56 gowns, which you would imagine would mean there would be a few looks which are reasonably sub-par. Wrong. The silhouettes include dropped waists, capes, a- line, sweetheart, arched, square, collared, the list goes on and on. Each and every gown had so much individuality. With the collection telling a story throughout. First beginning with more simplistic silhouettes, added to with large white florals. Then moving on to a bow theme, which carried on throughout but started with the yellow embellished looks, moving swiftly onto green, then purple, then florals. And then the tone swapped completely to a red velvet, more bold, less safe than other looks. Equally breathtaking. Still the black velvet bows ran throughout, even when the looks transitioned yet again to blue prints, florals, and more beadwork! ABOVE - LOOKS (in order) 52, 16, 36 It was insane. The development throughout the collection was stunning and still by now we are only at Look 33/57. The looks then transition to deeper tones, a deep blue velvet begins to appear, then deep blue tulle and of course matching beadwork. The diversity of the gowns was insane. The atelier must have been working non-stop for months prior. This is what fashion is all about! There are then more florals, then pinks, then golds, and finally I reached the final 14 looks which were quite clearly bridal inspired. My mouth was on the floor by this point. Oh my god. Look 56 Some models walked gracefully down the runway with bouquets in their hands, others without. There were so many varieties of brides on show. Of course there was the same embellishment detail as before, but now with elegant bridal touches, silk gloves, more white florals but this time white bows to match. Lots of lace, ruffles, and mountains upon mountains of tulle. Look 52 (above), I would happily get married in, a stunning beaded corset draped perfectly down the model to a dropped waist, and then a simplistic skirt took over and towered down to the floor. Stunning! Every look I was hungry for more on the next slide, this collection brought me back to life. It made me regain my love for fashion (not that it was lost - just that it was growing weaker) all in one collection. I have a new name to add to my wedding dress designer list now. Keep that in mind Richard Quinn… See the full collection here - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/richard-quinn/slideshow/collection What’s to come As mentioned above, yours truly has a runway tomorrow! Ahhhhh. I'm actually kind of nervous. But I will remain calm and mysterious, and of course I will be supplying all the BTS goodness you all need. Among that my day will be occupied with reporting on some of the exciting shows on offer tomorrow (21st September), including Emilia Wickstead, Marques A'lmeida, Simone Rocha, and Erdem! And as an even bigger bonus our Marketing Assistant is working behind-the-scenes tomorrow at the Marques A'lmeida show so you'll be getting one hell of a London Fashion Week dump after tomorrow... can't wait. With love, Mimi x
- LFW (19th) SS26: Runway Roundup
London Fashion Week - 19th - Day in Review - The first whole day of London Fashion Week just closed with the Labrum London show, with a live band to set the tone and close the night off! A whole day from 9am-9pm full of emerging, and well known designers displaying the recent fruits of their creative minds. It looked amazing. After such a packed day I think it’s only right if you get a quick synopsis of the day. Including only my favourites, and the most anticipated, giving you only the info you need to know as a fashion lover this London Fashion Week! This issue includes - Paul Costelloe who set the tone this morning, Di Petsa, Fashion East, Mark Fast, Chopova Lowena, and an event dinner from JW Anderson x The British Fashion Council, and finally Labrum London… Paul Costelloe - 19th @9am Paul Costelloe opened up LFW day 1 with a show at 9am. Wow. Personally, it was too early for me, so I had to catch up. They are a long-standing LFW favourite, and for good reason, known for their refined tailoring and bold silhouettes that blend classic British heritage with modern flair. Paul Costelloe I actually casted for this season and got clearly rejected. But I can’t even be mad because the models were so perfectly selected! This collection was an ode to the old heritage, bold and vibrant streets of Rodeo Drive in 1960s Beverly Hills, with the collection fittingly titled ‘Boulevard of Dreams’. The hair and makeup was so complimentary to the looks. The entire collection was giving Barbie. All monochromatic looks in 3 main colour categories, pink, blue, orange and yellow. Most of which was in a plaid - which I can definitely get behind as a pattern for SS26. The subtle tailoring of each look - blazers, skirts, dresses, it was all stunning. And perfectly paired with chunky statement jewels (still in the monochromatic pattern) as well as block heels - really adding to the Barbie vibe! I loved this collection, the hair in particular was my favourite. The back combed beehive was 100% giving a vintage Barbie - 60s Beverly Hills Barbie to be exact, as well as the pastel makeup and exaggerated lower lashes. Sixties swing dresses in vibrant apricot waltzed down the runway, they were all styled in 60s silhouettes. However there were still modernised touches such as metallics which were evident but softened through pearly hues on babydoll dresses. It was perfect, each and every model looked like a walking piece of art. See the full collection here - https://www.tag-walk.com/en/collection/woman/paul-costelloe/spring-summer-2026?city=london Dreaming Eli - 19th @2pm Held in a dramatic church setting the collection continues on the brand’s tradition of blending corsetry, fluid silhouettes, and intricate detailing. There was lace, layering, and drapery, with contrasts of rigidity and softness. There was definitely a romantic, ethereal aesthetic with an emotional edge. Femininity was explored through the storytelling of the collection and the craftsmanship. My favourite look - Look 41 - Is a black and white lace dream, it blends the materials seamlessly on the model and they look as if they float off her body. The silhouette and cut of the dress is stunning - this collection surprised me, coming from an emerging designer such as Dreaming Eli - however I am pleasantly surprised! See the full collection here - https://www.tag-walk.com/en/collection/woman/dreaming-eli/spring-summer-2026?city=london Di Petsa - 19th @2:30 Where do I begin? It was a wet and sandy universe , designer Dimitra Petsa fell into the realm of “magical realism”; the collection provided a 45 look database of sea creatures. Some models looked spectacularly mermaid-esque, goddesses of the sea, very much spring/ summer approved. Others looked as if the sea had just spat them out, with sand and mud dripping off of them. A few of the models looked even visibly embarrassed to be strutting with mud falling off their faces. This was Petsa’s first independent show, held at a new multi -purpose building in Kings Cross. It is a big step to take and after four years and not so much a newbie she flew the nest to go into the spotlight purely herself. The collection is actually really very creative and cool, one of the looks even has a sand castle cap which is very original! And the final look is a breathtaking sand coloured ruffle- tiered dress, very much oozing the mermaid queen vibe! Petsa’s goal and vision was exceptionally strong and this is a killer first collection. I’m excited for what’s to come… See the full collection here - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/di-petsa/slideshow/collection Fashion East - 19th @4pm Fashion East, the non-profit incubator for emerging designers, celebrated its 25th anniversary this LFW with a showcase of three SS26 collections. Below are three images - shown in order 1,2,3. First up was Louis Mayhew, making his Fashion East debut with 13 streetwear-inspired, DIY-driven looks full of scrunchy textures, raw energy, and playful, unconventional details - such as the opening look which had random pieces of broken china hanging from a polo! The second designer, Nuba, led by Cameron Williams, returned for their third season with Fashion East, with 13 minimalist, sustainably-minded tailored looks, blending clever formalwear (fracks, redingotes) with strong craftsmanship and a refined colour palette. More simplistic colour palette and less bold choices than others, but the niche is strong. Finally, Barcelona-born Jacek Gleba, fresh from Central Saint Martins, presented 12 bold, conceptually edgy looks that fused sportswear and outerwear in an unorthodox manner with polished tailoring.The 12 look collection had a very strong vision, as well as colour palette - his design sensibility leans toward polished tailoring with conceptual edge. It was an exciting showcase, highlighting three designers to watch in future seasons. See the full collection here - https://www.tag-walk.com/en/collection/woman/fashion-east/spring-summer-2026?city=london Mark Fast - 19th @5pm Mark Fast’s Spring 2026 lineup was deeply inspired by nature and process, channeling time by the sea and the art of transformation, like sea‑glass smoothed by tides, into knitwear that feels both raw and refined. He leaned on strong yarns with tubular techniques to deliver body‑conscious silhouettes: hand‑crocheted skirts, bralettes, and dresses that hug while also achieving seamless construction. The 36 look collection featured many knits, however the closing look - first right - was my favourite. A black knitted one piece with cascading flared feathers from the knee, and such a perfectly shaped knit top section! It was perfectly constructed and I would personally pay good money to wear it. I was made to use the knit machine once at college and I have got to say it is a craft in itself, it is so difficult to perfect - and he’s done just that! It is truthfully very chaotic, but as Fast says, “something beautiful comes out at the end.” Amid the knits, he added contrast with pale velour separates, lace and washed‑denim pieces salted with beach‑found bleach tones, and gothic‑leaning details in black ruffles and lace to offset softer pastels. The collection plays with opposites, handcrafted vs mass reproducible, delicate vs grungy, polished vs rugged - all while maintaining that signature knit‑led intimacy. See the full collection here - https://www.tag-walk.com/en/collection/woman/mark-fast/spring-summer-2026?city=london Chopova Lowena - 19th @6pm Chopova Lowena, founded in 2017 by Central Saint Martins graduates Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena, blends folk craft, punk, and school uniform references into distinctive, playful collections. Their SS26 Collection just debuted in London, labelled “Cheer Squad”, showcasing the brand’s signature pleating, tartans, folkloric embroidery, quirky prints, and DIY-inspired details, creating a visually rich, almost sensory-overload runway. This collection didn’t disappoint in any of these regards, featuring their typical vibe. Incorporating something for a lot of different demographics! They had goth core chainmail, lots of black, quirky prints, deconstructed skirts and lots of safety pins. Many of the looks reminded me of Bratz dolls! There were many school skirt style looks as well, an ode to a punky, goth school girl who would do anything in her power to accessorise her school uniform! In 2024, they won the British Fashion Council, receiving £150,000 plus expert mentorship and lots of support! It’s no wonder their location was grander, their looks were more thought out, and their hair and makeup team were perfect. For a brand on the rise they are doing amazingly. This collection wasn’t something I would personally put in my wardrobe but they know their target audience to a T and that’s the most important thing for a brand. See the full collection here - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/chopova-lowena/slideshow/collection JW Anderson x British Fashion Council Dinner Event - 19th @8pm A dinner by JW Anderson is not one I ever want to miss. While I may not be RSVP’ing just yet, I’m happy to cheer from the side lines! JW Anderson is truly one of a kind and as his much anticipated first Womenswear collection at Dior is looming upon us at PFW, (which i cannot contain my excitement for!!) I'm assuming he doesn’t want to take away from that and so for his own eponymous label he is hosting a dinner! With the help of the British Fashion Council, this dinner event sets the tone for a creative renewal. Labrum London - 19th @9pm Labrum London, founded in 2014 by Foday Dumbuya, blends his Sierra Leonean heritage with London upbringing to create menswear that bridges Western and West African influences through thoughtful, detail-driven design. The SS26 collection told a clear story of heritage, with 36 looks featuring standout hats - from royal guard inspired dual -brimmed styles with shells and feathers to towering sculptural straw creations. It was so perfectly done. The collection initially wasn’t even on my list but caught my eye immediately when scrolling on instagram! The collection balanced bright shades like orange, teal, and purple with more muted earthy tones, combining tailored silhouettes and relaxed fits across dresses, blazers, skirts, and expertly fitted suits. Labrum London’s commitment to craftsmanship and meticulous construction was evident throughout, reinforcing the brand’s unique approach to cultural storytelling and modern menswear - blurring the lines with some womenswear pieces along the way. See the full collection here - https://www.tag-walk.com/en/collection/woman/labrum-london/spring-summer-2026?city=london What's to come The 19th has come to a close and the 20th is now upon us! If this much fresh talent was given to us on day 1 I can only imagine how the remaining 3 days are going to go. I’m looking forward to Toga , Roksanda, and Sinead Gorrey coming to us later! I need to nap before I go to more castings! Then more writing. Some of my best friends are walking in shows today, I am buzzing for them and super excited to get the bts gossip - which I will of course be sharing. Stay tuned. With love, Mimi x
- Inside LFW (18th): Castings, Runways, and Exclusive Events
Yesterday felt like an absolute fever dream. I just woke up after a 14-hour nap, completely wiped out from juggling NYFW reporting, starting university, and keeping up with back-to-back castings for London Fashion Week. Don’t get me wrong, I’m ridiculously grateful for this life I lead and and wouldn’t trade it for anything. Now, let me give you an insider’s look at what life is really like for a model during LFW… I started the day out by waking up at an ungodly hour, racing to get on a train before the inevitable train problems ensued. Got into London fresh-faced at 9am and headed straight to the agency, LFW is literally hell for the agents, it’s a whole two weeks of no sleep and working 24/7 so I usually avoid the office as much as possible, however the casting I was on my way to was a bulk casting - one i’ve never experienced before. So I needed many comp cards (for those who aren’t aware it’s a card with 2 images of the model, one face and one full body, and all of our measurements - a synopsis of the model basically!) I secured my comp cards - 12 to be exact - and headed to the casting, but not before cheekily asking for one of the fashion week goodie bags! Agencies get so many sponsorships during LFW, so I secured my bag (shown below) of Charlotte Tilbury, Garnier, Kiko, Dash, Candy Kittens and so many more. Really kept me going the whole day. my goodie bag!!! Oh and I forgot to mention, as a slightly shorter model myself (5’8) I always wear my trusted Reformation knee - high boots to castings, and this time I didn't even bring any flats to change into. Big mistake. I could feel blisters forming an hour into my journey, it was hell. I arrived at the casting to see a line that was comically long, winding around a skyscraper and looping back around a second time. As far as a request casting goes, it seemed like all London models in the country had been requested. Luckily we had a friend in the queue and joined her, we waited in the line for 2 long hours, talking and rooting through my goodie bag of course! We even got taken out of the line for a street interview - they knew my outfit was too good to pass up. When we finally got into the building it was unlike any casting I've ever been to before. There were 14 tables spread over the building, 9 downstairs and 5 upstairs and you had to walk in front of the table, give them your card and walk 4 more times. Then depending on if they liked you or not you would have to walk more, take pictures or they would brutally reject you. The first table I went to set me off to a humbling start. They made me walk 6 times - in front of about 200 other models may I add - and then handed me my card back at the end. Brutal. Thankfully most of the others went well and I even got told I had a nice walk by one group! I love castings for London Fashion week because the turnaround is so quick, like i’ll know within 3 days if i’ve got anything or not because LFW is over in 3 days. There’s no hanging around for weeks in anticipation like many other modelling options. Thank god. So after arriving at 9am it was now 2pm, and like typical models me and my friends hadn’t eaten a thing so we ran to get a Pret before going to a second casting. That took another hour, and then they were so jealous of my goodie bag we went back to the agency to get them one as well - and to restock on more comp cards because the 14 at the first casting had wiped my stash out! So after another replenish of cards we headed back out and I raced to Westfield to get some ballet flats before going to an event in the evening. It was 4pm by this point so I headed back to my apartment in London to chill and recover from such a hectic morning. I literally had to bathe my feet after the torture of 15,000 steps in my heeled boots. Crazy behaviour from me. So I napped and recovered and headed out for the Lacoste x LNCC event I had been invited to that evening. LNCC x Lacoste x Frank Dorrey Event: As a model occasionally we get invited to events, especially during any fashion weeks and as a fashion student now as well I really love the exposure and chance to network it allows me! So me and my social media assistant headed to the event with some of my model friends, who I had just seen 2 hours prior at the castings! We had been promised free Lacoste polos upon the invitation, and received no such thing. Outraged! Joking. The ambiance was cool, the place was packed with models, some of which were from my agency but I had never met, so it was nice to expand my agency circle! I even met an ex-love islander (albeit an irrelevant one). The DJ was kind of weird but you know what I can get behind it, kind of robotic vibe music. It was not my kind of music but everyone was head-bopping so it seemed to be the vibe. The atmosphere was really chill and everyone was absurdly fashionable and very cool. I had to race to the bathroom to put my boots back on so I didn't feel miniscule next to the towering male models. While on the way back from the event, we of course got harassed on the streets of London as usual, however when I finally got on a train - because there were of course train issues! I was rooting through my photos from the day and realised I failed to get one of my super cool outfits. What an idiot. But I also saw while scouting instagram that the starting day of LFW had gone down a treat! With really cool events taking place - one of which I'd just been to - and the first runway of LFW, Harris Reed! I knew then and there I had to write all about his collection, which I've just done. Read all about it here - Harris Reed SS26 - A theatrical opening to London Fashion Week I also knew I needed to cover some of the goings-on I missed while being such a booked and busy model yesterday! I knew for a fact I had to cover the insanely cool H&M&180 event and catwalk that had taken place. I mean the runway that evening was so star-studded I was shocked! I didn’t know H&M did it like that. H&M&180 : The London Issue Event and Catwalk: Last night (18th), H&M unveiled its Autumn/Winter 2025 collections with an ambitious, genre-blurring showcase at London Fashion Week. Held at 180 The Strand, the event - titled H&M&180: The London Issue - brought together fashion, music, and digital innovation in a three-act runway-meets-concert experience. With a cast of 70 models - including Alex Consani, Lila Moss, and Romeo Beckham, performances by Lola Young, and appearances from stars like Central Cee, Little Simz, and Emily Ratajkowski, the show celebrated self-expression and style through immersive staging, monumental screens, and an eclectic soundtrack. See a video of the catwalk here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOwyn2MihPC/?igsh=MTZlODd5Y3lnN3gwcA== During the day, prior to the show H&M hosted panel talks and workshops led by Perfect Magazine, spotlighting creatives such as Susie Lau, David Kappo, and Sølve Sundsbø. The event culminated in a high-energy after-party with DJs Honey Dijon and Pxssy Palace. Blending fashion with culture, community, and cutting-edge presentation, H&M’s show positioned the A/W25 collections as a bold tribute to personal style and London’s creative spirit. What’s to Come - As the first whole day of LFW approaches us today with a full timetable from 9am - 9pm. Including shows from Paul Costelloe, Stephen Jones, Dreaming Eli, Mark Fast, and an event dinner from JW Anderson x The British Fashion Council. Today is already full steam ahead and I’m excited to report on it all for you. With love, Mimi x
- Harris Reed SS26: A Theatrical Opening to London Fashion Week
Look 1 Ten seasons into his eponymous label, Harris Reed is beginning to reflect on his house codes. Known for making spectacle a signature, Reed’s Spring 2026 collection revealed a surprising sense of intimacy and ease, though still firmly rooted in his maximalist, Met Gala-worthy, theatrical DNA. This season's outing took place in the low-lit, salon-style setting of the Gothic Bar at St. Pancras London. It felt more personal than past collections, but no less impactful. Reed is no stranger to extravagance - hell, the man had four outrageously cool wedding outfits. A Central Saint Martins graduate (class of 2020), he made the bold move from Los Angeles to London to explore his gender-fluid identity through fashion and unleash the theatrical maximalism he always knew was in him - and now, so does the world. Even before graduating, Reed was thrust into the spotlight when Harry Styles wore one of his custom blouses. From that moment on, everything else seemed to rise up beneath his feet. His work is deeply inspired by themes of gender identity, glamour, and self-expression, often featuring dramatic silhouettes, historical references, and a strong sense of narrative. However, when it comes to Ready-to-Wear, I imagine it’s not an easy brief for someone like Reed. His designs are inherently intricate and theatrical. The Ready-to-Wear we were served last night, it’s Ready-to-Wear only if you’re heading to a red carpet! That said, Reed thrives in the realm of couture. In 2021, just one year after graduating! He was appointed Creative Director of Nina Ricci, making him one of the youngest to lead a major fashion house. (Crazy, right?) But his impact doesn’t stop there. He’s dressed Beyoncé, Adele, Florence Welch... the list goes on. Reed has become a trailblazer in creating pieces that challenge traditional fashion binaries, all while championing inclusivity and artistry in the industry. This SS26 collection stood apart from anything we’ve seen so far this season at NYFW. It was the perfect start to London Fashion Week. Leading with such a theatrical, gender-fluid, and unapologetically glamorous show set the tone beautifully, especially in a city known more for emerging designers than big fashion houses. Because Reed’s shows aren’t just fashion, they’re stories. And SS26 was no different. One of the most breathtaking moments came with the opening look - shown above: a cascading silk blue maxi skirt flowed effortlessly down the model’s legs, paired with a gold corset embroidered with florals. But the real showstopper? A velvet and gold appliqué sculptural sleeve (if you could even call it that!) - an architectural feat. Starting at the model’s knees, it looped through her left arm, hugged the waist to accentuate the silhouette, looped through her right arm and rose dramatically above her head. It was magnificent. ABOVE - LOOKS (in order) 5, 12, 14 The collection also featured fishtail dresses, bold corsetry, an expertly tailored two-piece suit, and of course plenty of feathers. One standout, Look 12 - shown above, was among the most dramatically shaped pieces on display (and one of my personal favourites). It featured a hand-painted and embroidered wallpaper pattern, created in collaboration with Fromental, applied to a voluminous silhouette that merged structured corsetry with flowing skirts. The colour palette - acrid yellow spines against gilded florals, wasn’t an obvious pairing, but it worked. With velvet detailing and baroque ornamentation, it was regal yet subversive. Definitely not your everyday outfit... unless your everyday includes red carpets. To close the show, Look 14 - shown above brought the drama full circle. A fishtail-inspired silhouette featured exposed boning that gave the hoop skirt a sculptural edge. The skirt bubbled and flared at the thigh, blending into a lilac floral motif that swept over one side, adding softness and colour to the otherwise bare look. The top half—a structured corset—played against the flowing bottom half, creating a beautiful tension between structure and fluidity. It wasn’t an everyday look by any means, but it was unmistakably Reed: bold, artistic, and the perfect closing note to a striking collection. See the full collection here - https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/harris-reed/slideshow/collection Another beautifully crafted and imaginative collection from Reed, one that proves, yet again, his ability to blur the lines between fashion, fantasy, and identity. While the label may sit under the Ready-to-Wear umbrella, Harris Reed continues to deliver pieces that belong on grand stages, and red carpets - that’s exactly why I love him. He isn’t trying to fit into fashion’s mould; he’s reshaping it entirely. This collection set the tone for a London Fashion Week that promises to be just as theatrical, expressive, and boundary-pushing - hopefully! If this is how LFW begins, we’re in for a wild, fabulous ride. With love, Mimi x













