London Fashion Week 2024 delivered its signature blend of heritage elegance and boundary-pushing innovation. From star-studded front rows to unexpected tributes and collaborations, this season’s showcase cemented London’s reputation as a creative fashion powerhouse. If you weren’t able to keep up with every runway and celebrity sighting, here are nine standout moments that captured the essence of this season’s festivities.
1. Burberry’s emotional Amy Winehouse tribute
In a poignant finale to Burberry’s autumn/winter show, the heritage brand paid homage to the late Amy Winehouse. As “Back to Black” played through the Victoria Park venue, fashion icons Naomi Campbell, Karen Elson, and Manchester’s own Agyness Deyn walked the runway. This marked Lee Daniels’ third collection as creative director since taking over from Riccardo Tisci, drawing an impressive crowd including Anna Wintour, Olivia Colman, and Skepta.
2. Zendaya flaunts her 16Arlington fresh off the runway
While promoting “Dune: Part Two,” Zendaya wore a stunning piece from 16Arlington’s latest collection, “I’m Not Sorry, It’s Human Nature.” The strapless maxi gown featuring fringed beaded tassels and oversized sequins was styled by Law Roach. Designer Marco Capaldo transformed the Barbican Centre into a gothic chic showcase inspired by Charlie Fox’s book “The Young Monster,” exploring themes of self-expression and human psychology.
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3. Nicola Coughlan’s red carpet moment at Erdem
“Bridgerton” star Nicola Coughlan turned heads at Erdem in a showstopping cherry red dress with a deep V-neckline and dramatic off-the-shoulder sleeves, completed with matching gloves. The event attracted a number of stars including Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, Zawe Ashton, and Lily James. Models showcased asymmetric designs, with some featuring the unusual detail of “facelift tapes” pulling against their temples.
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4. Simone Rocha’s bejeweled Crocs collaboration
Irish designer Simone Rocha unveiled an unexpected collaboration with Crocs. Models with rose-painted eyebrows wore dramatic tulle and corset dresses inspired by Queen Victoria’s era, paired with bedazzled Crocs adorned with faux diamonds and jumbo pearls. The juxtaposition of historical fashion references with contemporary comfort footwear created one of the week’s most talked-about moments.
5. JW Anderson proves quiet luxury endures
Northern Irish designer JW Anderson demonstrated that the quiet luxury trend remains influential in his autumn/winter collection. While his work for Loewe often embodies surrealism, his eponymous brand takes a more understated approach, experimenting with traditional silhouettes. Luxurious knitwear dominated the runway alongside the brand’s signature chic bags and accessories. The front row sparkled with celebrities including Jameela Jamil, Tracey Emin, and Ruth Wilson.
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6. Molly Goddard’s modern take on 60s glamour
Taking inspiration from voluminous Balenciaga and Dior evening gowns of the 1960s, Molly Goddard presented her collection near Regent’s Park. Her modern interpretation rejected restrictive corsets in favor of elastic waists, prioritizing comfort and wearability. “Saltburn” star Rosamund Pike attended in a black mini dress with white frilled hem, complemented by a black blazer and Mary Jane shoes.
7. Roksanda’s architectural inspiration
Serbian designer Roksanda Ilinčić’s collection showcased extreme experimentation inspired by Le Corbusier’s murals in his Côte d’Azur holiday cabin. This architectural influence manifested in textured ankle-length skirts, sleeveless tops, and dramatic capes. The front row featured an eclectic mix of stars including “Bridgerton’s” Golda Rosheuvel, singer Lianne La Havas, TV presenter Miquita Oliver, rapper Eve, and Law Roach.
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8. The rise of voluminous silhouettes
If one trend dominated across multiple designers, it was the embrace of volume. Puffy sleeves and exaggerated shoulders appeared consistently throughout London Fashion Week, featuring prominently in collections from Paul Costelloe, Simone Rocha, and Bora Aksu – whose designs drew inspiration from sculptor Eva Hesse.
9. Ahluwalia celebrates diversity on the runway
Priya Ahluwalia’s “Reveries” collection reimagined storytelling through fashion, drawing from Indian and Nigerian folklore. Model Leomie Anderson made a surprise appearance in a burnt orange hooded silk ensemble, while the inclusion of plus-size models wearing similarly striking designs underscored the brand’s commitment to representation. The collection’s rich cultural references and inclusive casting offered a fitting conclusion to a Fashion Week defined by creative boldness and cultural exploration.
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London Fashion Week continues to serve as a barometer for the global fashion landscape, balancing reverence for established names with platforms for emerging talent. This season’s blend of heritage inspiration, contemporary wearability, and boundary-pushing creativity demonstrated why London remains an essential voice in the international fashion conversation.
Featured image: Over 80 designers put on 54 catwalk shows during London Fashion Week. Image shows models presenting creations from designer Julien Mcdonald (AFP/Getty )
