London Fashion Week: A Celebration of Britishness and Individuality

Retailers React to a Powerful Season

Despite a shorter schedule, London Fashion Week made a big impact this season. Retailers praised the designers' resilience and creativity in the face of current U.K. challenges. From Simone Rocha's statement faux fur to Emilia Wickstead's '60s tailoring and Daniel Lee's cozy knits at Burberry, buyers found much to admire.

Harrods' Highlights: Elegance and Artistic Flair

Simon Longland, Harrods' Director of Fashion Buying, singled out Erdem's presentation at the British Museum as the season's most exceptional. He also praised Huishan Zhang and Roksanda for their balance of precision and fluidity. Green hues, embellishments, and '60s influences were key trends, while statement outerwear, particularly Burberry's trench coats and rain capes, stood out as must-have pieces.

Longland noted the influence of art on the collections, highlighting Erdem's collaboration with Kaye Donachie, S.S. Daley's channeling of Francis Cadell, and Roksanda's interpretation of Phyllida Barlow's sculptures.

"This season was about restraint and impact — where luxury was deliberate, innovation measured, and the conversation between past and present more compelling than ever," observed Longland.

Saks' Standouts: Rebellious Nostalgia and Dramatic Sculptures

Roopal Patel, Senior Vice President and Fashion Director at Saks, championed Simone Rocha's rebellious and nostalgic collection inspired by "The Tortoise and the Hare." She also lauded Daniel Lee's "super chic" take on the English countryside for Burberry and Erdem's dreamy collaboration with artist Kaye Donachie.

Patel was captivated by Harris Reed's dramatic gowns, describing them as "pieces of art ready to adorn the red carpet." Dilara Findikoğlu's "Venus From Chaos" collection, particularly a striking corset, also left a lasting impression.

Mytheresa's Must-Haves: Faux Fur and Gothic Romance

Tiffany Hsu, Chief Buying Officer at Mytheresa, highlighted the exceptional collections from Simone Rocha, Erdem, Dilara Findikoğlu, and Harris Reed. She praised Findikoğlu's evocative show location and Richard Quinn's dramatic snowfall on the runway.

Hsu identified faux fur, midi-hemlines, and bold layering as top trends, with a strong undercurrent of Gothic romance. Simone Rocha's faux fur accessories were deemed must-have pieces.

Net-a-Porter's Notable Pieces: Outerwear and Occasionwear

Olivia von Christierson, Buying Manager at Net-a-Porter, admired Burberry, Erdem, and Emilia Wickstead for their strong brand DNA. She appreciated the use of iconic British landmarks as venues and Completedworks' innovative presentation format.

Von Christierson emphasized outerwear and occasionwear as key trends, with Burberry's leather boots and Erdem's Bloom bag highlighted as must-haves.

Bergdorf Goodman's British Bravo: Unique and Daring

Linda Fargo, Senior Vice President of Women's Fashion at Bergdorf Goodman, celebrated London's unique and daring collections, highlighting Dilara Findikoğlu, Chopova Lowena, and Paolo Carzana. She praised Simone Rocha's "tender and tough" collection, Burberry's return to its heritage, and Erdem's artful show at the British Museum.