Sure, you’ve heard of Burberry, Roksanda and JW Anderson, but how much do you know about London Fashion Week’s ones to watch?
The undisputed home of young talent, London Fashion Week is nothing if not a showcase for the up-and-coming major names. But with a schedule bursting full with almost 100 shows, how do you spot the names to know?
Luckily for you, we’ve done all the legwork. Introducing the five names you should have on your radar in 2024 (and beyond)…
TOLU COKER
For her debut solo collection Tolu Coker took us back to her motherland. The collection was a celebration of African spirituality featuring feminine cuts and tailoring staples that felt like a breath of fresh air following the quiet luxury mood of last season.
Tolu Coker has worked in-house at Maison Margiela and JW Anderson, which is evident through her ability to tell a story through a collection.
She had us drooling over timeless wardrobe pieces that were given an energetic makeover, from denim to the chicest modern mini styles. The prints, silhouettes and accessories are still on our minds and truly enough to get anyone excited about head-to-toe dressing.
STANDING GROUND
Irish designer, Michael Stewart is inspired by the ancient landscape and the relationship between nature and humankind, and has the most romantic way of reimagining this into gowns that are couture-worthy. Part of the Fashion East collective, which supports new designers, Standing Ground is quickly becoming a go-to for new-age glamour.
For SS24, Stewart showed another beautiful collection of soft glamour, with hand-finished detailing and luxurious jersey fabrics that were all about the fit and form of the female body. His pieces are guaranteed to be on red carpets everywhere during awards season. Salma Hayek is already a fan.
AHLUWALIA
Priya Ahluwalia is not new to the LFW line-up but has become one of the most hyped up shows of the season, for good reason. Upcycling and sustainability is the centre of her design process. The designer uses deadstock garments, locally sourced vintage and pre-loved pieces to create new designs inspired by her multi-ethnic background.
For SS24, Ahluwalia featured iconic denim patchwork pieces and feel-good clothes that felt like a celebration of identity.
The colours were bold yet romantic with delicate prints and fabrics which were well balanced with new-age cowboy boots. With successful brand collaborations like Mulberry, Ganni and Adidas under her belt, we’re excited to see Ahluwalia continue being a force for (sustainable) fashion.
JOHANNA PARV
Johanna Parv, also part of the Fashion East collective, has created her own innovative design aesthetic which is not only functional but very chic. With an impressive CV including fashion brands Balenciaga, Christian Dior and Burberry, she is a pro in well constructed pieces. Johanna Parv is best known for her monochrome palette, functionality and comfort.
Light-weight jackets and remixed leggings are given a contemporary makeover, making them essentials to any capsule wardrobe. Perfectly designed with balance, the collection is ideal dressing for those who wish they could live in gym clothes, but fashion. In a nutshell it is the most fabulous cycling wear you have ever seen.
YUHAN WANG
Yuhan Wang is a Central St Martins graduate (which is always a good sign) and has been a favourite during London Fashion Week since her debut show in 2020. The designer set out to explore and challenge Asia’s traditional standards about femininity through clothes and how these connect to Western Culture.
You can expect romantic lace and knit separates, exaggerated silhouettes and floral prints that feel soft yet empowering. Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner are already big fans of this cult London brand and have worn they’re most coveted pieces which are known for being revealing but covered up – an it-girl mood. Her collections are always a masterclass in vibrant layering with romantic blazers, gloves, removable collars.
For more from Glamour’s European Fashion Editor Londi Ncube, follow her on Instagram @londisgoods.
For more from Glamour UK’s Fashion Editor Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram @charlieteather.