That's a Wrap - Takeaways from London Fashion Week
The glitz and sparkle, the dazzling glamour, and the chic elegance of the 40th London Fashion Week came to an end last Tuesday, leaving us spellbound. London is still buzzing with energy after having witnessed an amalgamation of outstanding talent, creativity, and innovation at its best.
From the 16th to the 20th of February 2024, the British capital transformed into a live exhibition of not just the latest trends but also its iconic fashion heritage. It was a reflection on the fashion trends of the past and a representation of fashion of the future.
The streets of London were a breeding ground of activity as influencers, photographers and fashion enthusiasts were all out and about excitedly looking forward to what this edition of the event had to offer.
Some key takeaways from LFW 2024
London Fashion Week was all about bold ideas presented with vibrant colours that celebrated creativity in the fashion industry. Here are our top takeaways from this iconic event.
Nostalgia
There was a distinct element of nostalgia featured in many events. Many designers took inspiration from the past and incorporated it into their collections but with a modern twist. Nostalgia was a theme that was recorded throughout the event where not just established designers, but also ones from Gen Z reimagined the past and created stunning pieces for the runway.
Jonathan Anderson, of JW Anderson, had models wear silver permed wigs reminiscing a time when neighbours would gossip over washing lines in the days gone by.
There were references to the elegant sophistication of the past in Erdem's display of cocktail dresses, long gloves, and colourful wraps.
Sinnead Gorey and Connor Ives gave a taste of the technology of the past to the audience. With iPods and headphones shaped into accessories, viewers were made to travel back in time.
Technology
Like in all other aspects of life, technology had a major part in shaping the way designers presented on the runway of this season’s London Fashion Week 2024. There were shows that incorporated virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR technology), and these interactive experiences pushed the boundaries of fashion.
Virtual showrooms were set up allowing audiences to explore them and interact with the pieces.
Visitors were left spellbound after witnessing parallel realms in the fashion world while designers also experimented with innovative materials and digital fabrication techniques.
Diversity
Sinead O'Dwyer, who had models with special needs take the ramp, was the front-runner on diverse casting in this season of the event.
Ahluwalia referenced the body painting style of the Igbo People of Nigeria in his bold prints. This collection also drew inspiration from old Indian and Nigerian folklore and fairy tales.
Another designer, Edward Crutchley, was inspired by diverse global cultures and repurposed woven tapestries into skirts, jackets, and cowboy hats.
Beyond the artistic aspects of the show, diversity at LFW was also bringing about empowerment and empathy. Designers used their platforms to bring social issues under the spotlight. They were all about promoting body positivity and championing marginalised communities. This year, fashion became a tool for empowerment, and gave a chance to many individuals to express their identities and bring their own stories to a global stage.
Heritage
An homage to their heritage was paid by designers, such as Erdem, Burberry, and Emilia Wickstead, who showed glimpses of it in their collections. It appeared that their love for British ancestry was once again ignited.
From the bold tartan patterns reminiscent of exotic Scottish kilts to the luxurious textures of faux fur, audiences were treated to images of the rugged landscapes of the Highlands. Each design was beautiful and each one spoke volumes about the love these designers had for British heritage.
Inclusivity
Designers created clothing that catered to a wide range of body types and abilities, ensuring that fashion was accessible to everyone. This inclusive approach was not just restricted to design. It extended beyond clothing to include different accessories, footwear, and even beauty products. Many of the brands present willingly embraced the concept of "fashion for all."
Sustainability
Sustainability remained a key focus at LFW 2024. Many designers had collections that were eco-friendly and ethical. One designer who stood out was Paolo Carzana. Originally from Wales, he used plant-based, recycled, organic, and repurposed materials and employed natural dyes and handmade construction. The Welsh designer was all over the news with his Fall/Winter 24 collection, 'Melanchronic Mountain'. This exhibit reflected the power of sustainable fashion.
From upcycled materials to zero-waste designs and carbon-neutral practices, the message of sustainability was a major part of the event. This year the London Fashion Week did not just highlight the creativity and excellence of established heritage powerhouses like Burberry, J.W. Anderson, and Marques Almeida. It also recognised the importance of sustainability in shaping the future of fashion. The fashion industry has started showing commitment to finally take care of environmental and social issues.
CELYSTM, The Fully Certified Compostable Polyester Fibre
A clear shift towards more responsible and conscious practices was quite obvious not just throughout the five days of the fashion event, but also even before the event began. This was witnessed during the global launch event of CELYSTM compostable fibre held on the 15th of February 2024 at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London.
The event featured an informative and panel talk with the team from CELYS including Chief Operating Officer and Founder Ray Jiang, Helen Weng, Global Sales Director and Dr Gray Li, their Chief Technology Officer who led the creation of this new innovative biodegradable polyester.
Known for her expertise and work on the environmental and social footprint of the fashion industry, writer, broadcaster, journalist and sustainability advocate Lucy Siegle moderated the panel discussion with the team behind CELYS™. The panel discussed the origins of CELYS™, the technological innovation and the impact this could have on the wider industry.
Phoebe English, the founder of eponymous label Phoebe English Studio, is an award winning circular-fashion studio who have a mission to use biodegradable fabrics, off-cuts and repurposed materials throughout all of their collections. Phoebe gave her take as a design consultant on the benefits of the new technology, challenges facing designers today in being truly sustainable and what the future might hold for designers and brands alike. moderated by.
The panel brought to light the urgent need for eco-friendly approaches to fashion and its consumption. By introducing CELYS™, the team showcased their groundbreaking achievement in promoting sustainability in the fashion sector.
CELYS™ has the ability to completely revolutionise the way textiles are produced and utilised. That it is compostable means that garments made from this fibre can be disposed of quickly and responsibly. The result will be a reduced accumulation of non-biodegradable waste in landfills and ecosystems.
Overall, CELYS™ Compostable fibre is a promising step toward a more sustainable future for fashion. This has brought a bright ray of hope for all those climate enthusiasts who are working towards a sustainable and eco-friendly future.
Final Word
As the 40th-anniversary celebrations of the London Fashion Week came to a close, London felt like waking up from a dream. The designs that were shown were not just captivating, but brilliantly innovative as well. There was a renewed emphasis on sustainability and responsible practices. Initiatives like the global launch of CELYSTM compostable fibre represented a positive change and a move towards eco-friendly practices by the fashion industry.
London Fashion Week 2024 was proof that the fashion industry will continue to show resilience, creativity, and a strong commitment to bringing about positive change in all its practices.
