Design Graduates: TEX+ winners secure Première Vision Paris showcase as charity celebrates UK's emerging textile talent

Three of the UK's promising emerging textile designers will exhibit at Première Vision Paris this Autumn, from 1 - 3 September, after being awarded the TEX+ International Exhibition Prize during the TEX+ Showcase at Chelsea College of Arts in London on 15 July 2026.

Left to right:  Lili Mizuno, Twig Searle and Christie Shannon
Credits: Tex+

The international exhibition awards were presented to Twig Searle,  of Falmouth University, Christie Shannon from Glasgow School of Art and Lili Mizuno of London College of Fashion, UAL.  They are all 2026 graduates.

The trio will exhibit at the influential Paris textile trade fair alongside previous International Exhibition Prize recipients Ruth Kent and Nikki Kewley (2024 cohort) and Freya Booth (2025 cohort), providing them with an opportunity to present their work to an international audience of fashion and textile buyers.

The announcement formed part of the annual TEX+ Prize Awards, which recognise exceptional creativity, technical excellence, innovation and craftsmanship among the UK's graduating textile designers. As well as celebrating emerging talent, the awards provide financial support, professional development opportunities and valuable industry connections designed to help graduates establish careers within the textile and fashion sectors.

Building on the 50-year legacy of Texprint, the TEX+ charity brings together education and industry through exhibitions, mentoring, networking and career development initiatives. Former participants have gone on to work with leading brands including Chanel, Nike and Liberty.

Jeremy Somers, Chair of TEX+, said: "The TEX+ prizes recognise the outstanding creativity, innovation and technical excellence emerging from the UK's textile graduates today. We're incredibly grateful to our sponsors and supporters, whose generosity enables us to celebrate exceptional talent while providing meaningful opportunities that help graduates take the next step in their careers."

2026 TEX+ Prize winners (for details of the winners, click HERE)

Among the principal awards, Maia McLaren received the Pentland Prize, worth £1,000 together with a work placement.

The two Liberty Fabrics Studio Prizes, each worth £500, were presented to Grace Holden and Xavier Theobald.

Lisa Rogerson won the Worshipful Company of Weavers Prize (£1,000), while Roisin Foster received both the Juliet Vogel Colour Prize (£1,000) and the Pattern Cloud Support Award, which includes one year's complimentary access to The Pattern Cloud Plan.

Molly White and her printed textile designs.
Photo: Lucia Carpio

The Bay & Brown Support Award, comprising a Beginners Complete Surface Textiles Print Online Course, an Online Floral Print Course and a portfolio session with Tracey Brown, was presented to Molly White.

Printed textile designs by Harriet Letts.
Photo: Lucia Carpio

Harriet Letts received the Sahara Prize, including £500, a one-month placement at Sahara and a potential design purchase opportunity.

The Inge Cordsen Craftsmanship Prize (£1,000) went to Zoe Noble, while Lili Mizuno also received the TEX+ Industry Prize for Technical Excellence (£1,000).

The TEX+ Sustainability & Ethical Practice Prize (£1,000) was awarded to Ruby Bolt.

The Helga Goldman Legacy Prize, recognising Innovation and Creativity and accompanied by a £1,000 award, went to Belén Fernández, while Twig Searle also collected the John Miles Legacy Prize (£1,000).

Additional industry awards included the Kvadrat Prize, a trip to the company's Wooltex mill in Huddersfield, presented to Lola Bate, and the London Embroidery Studio Prize, a six-month studio residency, awarded to Kate Crilly.

Supporting graduates into industry

Tex+ 2026 Finalists
Credits: Tex+

This year's awards come as many textile graduates continue to face significant barriers when entering the creative industries.

Research commissioned by TEX+ found that 56% of textile graduates are not currently working in a full-time textile role, while 36% are balancing multiple jobs. More than half (51%) have relied on financial support since graduating.

The findings highlight the continuing importance of initiatives such as TEX+, which connect emerging designers with employers, mentors and industry professionals through practical career development opportunities that help bridge the gap between education and employment.

Through its network of designers, educators, industry partners and alumni, TEX+ continues to strengthen pathways into the textile industry, ensuring that the next generation of creative talent gains the experience, confidence and professional connections needed to build successful careers.

Trade Fair Report: Scoop strengthens its international credentials with landmark Italian Trade Agency partnership

As UK retailers continue to look beyond volume sourcing in favour of originality, craftsmanship and premium quality, Italy remains one of Britain's most influential fashion trading partners. Worth an estimated £3–4 billion annually*, UK imports of Italian clothing, footwear, textiles and leather goods continue to perform strongly, driven by sustained demand for luxury womenswear, premium footwear, leather accessories, sustainable textiles and high-quality fabrics.  Against this backdrop, Scoop International's latest collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) reflects both the continuing appeal of 'Made in Italy' and the growing appetite among British buyers for distinctive international brands.

From Italy, clockwise from top left: Ripani, Serienumerica, Sayyou
Credits: Scoop International

The partnership marked one of the standout features of Scoop International's Spring/Summer 2027 edition, held at Olympia National, London, from 19–21 July 2026, and completed the show's major trade calendar following its whimsical Autumn/Winter 2026 edition earlier in the year.

Jewellery from Angela Caputi Giuggiù of Italy at SCOOP International
Photo: Lucia Carpio

Making its Scoop debut, the Italian Trade Agency presented an exclusive collective of 32 contemporary Italian designers and brands spanning womenswear, knitwear, accessories and lifestyle collections. With the majority of the exhibitors not yet represented in the UK, the showcase provided buyers with a rare opportunity to discover a new generation of Italian labels seeking distribution within one of Europe's most influential fashion markets.

Scoop International July 2026 edition featured a vintage circus theme for the Spring/Summer 2027 showcase.
Featured were fun-house mirrors, mannequins on rope swings, and a red-and-white striped Big Top Café.  Entertainment was provided by live piano music and an onsite tarot card reader.
Photo: Lucia Carpio

The initiative also demonstrated Scoop's growing role as a gateway for emerging and family-owned Italian manufacturers looking to expand internationally. Many of these businesses produce collections distinguished by exceptional design, craftsmanship and manufacturing expertise, yet often lack the commercial infrastructure and distribution networks needed to establish themselves overseas.

The collaboration represents a natural evolution for Scoop according to Scoop founder and Creative Director Karen Radley. Throughout the show's history she has successfully introduced carefully curated Italian collections to the UK market, and the partnership with the Italian Trade Agency enables Scoop to showcase the depth and diversity of contemporary Italian creativity on a significantly larger scale. It also lays the foundations for an even stronger Italian presence at the show's Autumn/Winter 2027 edition, which returns to London's Olympia National from 7–9 February 2027.

From France, clockwise from left: Vanessa Bruno, Aurège and Zag Studio.
Credits: Scoop International

While the Italian contingent attracted considerable attention, it formed part of an increasingly international exhibitor line-up. French brands including Vanessa Bruno, Aurège, Zag Studio, Ma Petite Capsule, Travaux En Cours, Minuit Douze and Julie Sion exhibited alongside Spanish labels Dr Bloom, Sophie + Lucie and Rita Row, Scandinavian names Masai and A-View, together with British designers and brands from Australia and the United States.   New exhibitors this season included JC Sophie, Resume, MRP Star, Alessandra Salvatore and Kore Collections.

Jewellery made in Paris by Julie Sion.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

The show's international appeal was reflected in the calibre of buyers attending. Retailers including Liberty London, Fenwick, Cream, The Dressing Room, Galeries Lafayette, El Corte Inglés and Printemps were among those searching for fresh collections and new brand discoveries.

 Anna Berkeley hosted daily Style Spotlight presentations at Scoop.
Photo: Lucia Carpio

Alongside the buying opportunities, Scoop's content programme added further value for visitors. Stylist and former fashion buyer Anna Berkeley hosted daily Style Spotlight presentations together with her Behind the Curtain sessions, guiding buyers through key Spring/Summer 2027 trends and helping retailers translate seasonal direction into commercial buying strategies.

With its expanding international exhibitor base, influential retail audience and successful debut partnership with the Italian Trade Agency, Scoop has further strengthened its position as one of the UK's leading contemporary fashion trade events. The collaboration not only showcased the enduring strength of Italian creativity but also highlighted the growing importance of international partnerships in connecting emerging brands with new markets. Those relationships are expected to continue developing when Scoop returns to Olympia National for its Autumn/Winter 2027 edition from 7–9 February 2027.

*HMRC commodity data

Announcement: British Fashion Council unveils provisional London Fashion Week September 2026 schedule. McQueen, Mulberry and Marks & Spencer among highlights of London Fashion Week SS27

 The British Fashion Council (BFC) has unveiled the provisional schedule for London Fashion Week (LFW) September 2026, which will take place from 17-21 September and feature a mix of established British fashion houses, emerging designers and retail activations.

The SS27 edition marks the return of several major names to the official schedule, including Alexander  McQueen, where creative director Seán McGirr will stage his first London runway presentation featuring both menswear and womenswear collections. Mulberry also returns to the schedule, with Christopher Kane set to present his debut collection for the British leather goods brand.

Other established labels confirmed for the week include Barbour, Burberry, Emilia Wickstead, Erdem, Harris Reed, Richard Quinn, Roksanda and Simone Rocha. Contemporary designers Aaron Esh, Ashley Williams, Chopova Lowena, Knwls and Paolo Carzana are also among those showing.

The schedule continues to highlight emerging talent through the BFC NEWGEN programme, supported by Pull&Bear. Newcomers Francesca Lake, Gui Rosa and Petra Fagerström will make their London Fashion Week debuts as NEWGEN recipients, joining returning designers Charlie Constantinou, E.W. Usie, Liza Keane, Octi, Oscar Ouyang, Pauline Dujancourt, The Ouze and Yaku.

Fashion East will once again present its showcase following the BFC's recent commitment to increase investment in the talent development initiative. The programme will also feature a showcase from Birmingham City University, reflecting the organisation's continued focus on supporting creative talent from across the UK.

Several brands will appear on the official schedule for the first time, including British menswear label Geordie Campbell, womenswear designer Joyce Bao, Indian fashion label Lovebirds and demi-couture brand Onalaja.

Alongside runway shows, the SS27 season will feature a series of presentations, installations and cultural events. J.L-A.L will unveil its latest collection through an immersive presentation, followed by an event celebrating the launch of its collaboration with Puma. Meanwhile, Paul Smith Foundation designer-in-residence 5000 will present its new collection through a sound bath experience combining fashion, music and art.

Retail brands continue to play an increasingly prominent role during London Fashion Week. Marks & Spencer will make its LFW debut by presenting its first exclusive runway collection, adopting a "see now, buy now" format for menswear and womenswear as part of the retailer's centenary celebrations. Dover Street Market will host an in-store jewellery showcase, while H&M is collaborating with photographer Nick Knight and SHOWstudio on a reimagined fashion presentation. eBay will return with its Endless Runway pre-loved fashion show, which will be shoppable via eBay Live, and Selfridges will spotlight London Fashion Week designers through dedicated in-store installations and curated retail edits.

Commenting on the programme, British Fashion Council chief executive Laura Weir said the September schedule reflects the "confidence and momentum" of British fashion, bringing together established brands, emerging designers and industry partners while reinforcing London's position as a centre for creativity, innovation and commercial opportunity.

London Fashion Week September 2026 runs from Thursday 17 to Monday 21 September.  

Click HERE to explore the London Fashion Week September 2026 Schedule.

Awards: British Fashion Council strengthens support for emerging fashion designers and businesses with 2026 funding awards

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced the recipients of its 2026 designer support programmes, with Bianca Saunders, LABRUM and six independent fashion businesses receiving funding to accelerate growth and strengthen the UK's creative fashion sector.

Bianca Saunders has been named the winner of the 2026 BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, receiving a £150,000 grant alongside a tailored programme of business mentoring and professional services. The award, delivered in partnership with British Vogue, supports established British designers with the potential to achieve long-term international growth.

Since launching her eponymous label following graduation from the Royal College of Art in 2017, Saunders has earned widespread acclaim for redefining contemporary menswear through the lens of her British-Caribbean heritage. Her collections explore identity, culture and masculinity, combining innovative tailoring with thoughtful storytelling.

The BFC has also named LABRUM as the recipient of the 2026 BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund. Founded by Foday Dumbuya in 2014, the menswear label will receive a £100,000 grant, a year-long business mentorship programme, pro bono legal support from Sheridans and access to a network of specialist business advisers.

Drawing on Dumbuya's upbringing in Sierra Leone, Cyprus and London, LABRUM has established a distinctive identity by blending African cultural narratives with British tailoring. The brand has gained international recognition for collections that celebrate migration, identity and the African diaspora while presenting a contemporary vision of British menswear.

Alongside the two flagship awards, the BFC has revealed the latest recipients of the BFC Fashion Trust, its grant programme designed to support designers at key stages of business development. The 2026 recipients are Clio Peppiatt, Conner Ives, Nicholas Daley, Paolo Carzana, Patrick McDowell and Tolu Coker.

Established in 2011, the BFC Fashion Trust has distributed more than £3 million through the BFC Foundation, supporting 59 designer businesses with investment across areas including production, merchandising, e-commerce and product development. The initiative was recognised at The Fashion Awards 2025, where founder Tania Fares received a Special Recognition Award celebrating 15 years of the programme.

Commenting on the announcements, BFC chief executive Laura Weir said the awards reflect the organisation's commitment to supporting commercially resilient British fashion businesses through its BFC 2030 strategy. She described Bianca Saunders and LABRUM as designers whose creative vision and cultural storytelling exemplify the strength of British fashion, while noting that the Fashion Trust continues to play an important role in helping independent businesses scale sustainably.

The BFC's portfolio of prizes and funding programmes forms part of the BFC Foundation, which provides financial support, mentoring and business development opportunities to designers at different stages of their careers, with the aim of strengthening the long-term competitiveness of the British fashion industry.

Obituary: The Campaign for Wool announces the death of its Chairman, Peter Ackroyd MBE

The Campaign for Wool announces with sadness the death of its Chairman, Peter Ackroyd MBE.

Peter Ackroyd MBE was appointed Chairman of the Campaign for Wool* in January 2025, succeeding Sir Nicholas Coleridge CBE, having previously served as Chief Operating Officer since joining the organisation in 2009.  His appointment recognised more than five decades of distinguished service to the international wool and textile industry, as well as his unswerving devotion to championing wool as one of the world's most remarkable natural fibres.  

“Peter was a lifelong Wool Man of the highest calibre, who knew every mill, every player and wool champion in the UK and beyond. He was a Great Man, a gentleman and a friend to so many of us. He will be profoundly missed by the entire wool community," Sir Nicholas Coleridge CBE.  

Throughout his career, Peter earned enormous respect across the global textile community. He served as President of the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO), was Global Strategic Advisor to Australian Wool Innovation and Woolmark, and was formerly the Vice President of the Strategy Committee for Premiere Vision and former President of the Bradford Textile Society. Peter devoted much of his professional life to promoting wool through innovation, education, international collaboration, and responsible manufacturing. In 2006, he was awarded an MBE for services to the textile industry. 

As Chairman, Peter had the privilege of serving the Campaign under the Patronage of His Majesty King Charles III and provided steadfast leadership at a key time for the international wool sector. He was passionate about championing wool's environmental, technical and economic importance, helping to strengthen relationships across farming, manufacturing, fashion, interiors, retail and government while ensuring the Campaign remained focused on its founding purpose: promoting wool as a natural, renewable and biodegradable fibre for future generations. 

Those who worked alongside Peter will remember not only his remarkable knowledge of the global wool industry, but his humour and ability to lighten any room with one of his speeches and fluency in many languages, along with his generosity, kindness and steady determination. He had an outstanding ability to bring together people from across the international supply chain, earning the admiration of colleagues, growers, manufacturers, designers and retailers alike. His counsel, integrity and lifelong devotion to the industry leave a permanent legacy that will continue to shape the future of wool for years to come. 

The Campaign for Wool extends its deepest sympathies to Peter's family, friends and the many colleagues throughout the international wool community who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. 

Additional announcements regarding funeral arrangements and the governance of the Campaign for Wool will be made in due course.

*The Campaign for Wool is a not-for-profit international organisation that aims to raise awareness amongst consumers about the unique and sustainable properties of wool as a natural fibre and to promote the many ways it can be used and the products in which it can be used. His Majesty King Charles III first conceived the initiative in 2008, when he was HRH The Prince of Wales, and it was formally launched to consumers in 2010. As a committed environmentalist, His Majesty believes wool's natural, renewable origin and highly technical structure offer fashion and interiors many superior benefits.

Exhibition: Florals Bloom Beyond Fashion as Paris Unveils a Monumental New Design Experience

Florals are reigning supreme this year, but not in the traditional sense. Across fashion, contemporary art and interior design, flowers are being radically reinterpreted as sculptural, immersive and thought-provoking creations.

Sculptural dress and shoes by Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons, for her "18th Century Punk" Haute Couture Collection,  as presented at Weaving, Embroidering, Embellishing: The Skills of Fashioning exhibition at Palais Galliera in Paris 
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Fashion designers are moving beyond delicate botanical prints, instead embracing structural 3D appliqués, sheer romantic detailing and bold, contemporary tailoring. Flowers are no longer decorative motifs confined to fabric. They are challenging conventional garment silhouettes through texture, three-dimensional craftsmanship and surrealist forms that transform clothing into wearable works of art.

Chanel evening dress by Karl Lagerfeld, Haute Couture SS 2019
as presented at Weaving, Embroidering, Embellishing: The Skills of Fashioning, at
Palais Galliera in Paris 
Photo by Lucia Carpio

The resurgence is also being celebrated institutionally.  Currently at the Palais Galliera in Paris is exploring the enduring influence of the floral motif in haute couture through its landmark exhibition, Weaving, Embroidering, Embellishing: The Skills of Fashioning which runs until October 2026. Bringing together more than 350 garments, textile samples, tools and archival materials, the exhibition examined the extraordinary craftsmanship behind weaving, embroidery, lace-making, artificial flowers and decorative embellishment, all united by a single theme: the flower.

Le Grand Bouquet
from Uchronia at Le Grand Palais, Paris

The same creative evolution is taking place in the worlds of art and design. Florals are experiencing a major renaissance, shifting from subtle background decoration to commanding centrepieces. Contemporary artists are using botanical forms to explore themes of climate, identity and material innovation, creating monumental site-specific installations rather than traditional paintings.

This creative movement will take centre stage during Paris Design Week 2026 (10 to 19 September 2026 ), when the Grand Palais becomes home to one of the festival's most anticipated installations. Created by design studio Uchronia, Le Grand Bouquet is a monumental sculptural flower that appears to emerge from the Rotonde d'Antin, transforming the historic setting into an immersive world of colour, form and architecture.

In a recent interview, Uchronia founder Julien Sebban explained that the project was inspired by the architecture itself.

"Discovering the Rotonde d'Antin at the Grand Palais, one thing became clear: to create a work that would not merely fit into this space but would emerge from it," he said. "Le Grand Bouquet was born from this intuition. A monumental flower blooms there, drawing its lines and curves from the surroundings."

Sebban revealed that every architectural detail influenced the design, from the mosaic floors and floral ornamentation to the vegetal mouldings and circular geometry of the rotunda.

Colour, a defining characteristic of Uchronia's work, plays a central role in the installation, while its monumental scale has been carefully conceived to enhance the visitor experience rather than overwhelm it.

Outside the Grand Palais, an inflatable sculptural structure extends the experience before visitors even enter the building.

For Uchronia, Le Grand Bouquet blurs the boundaries between architecture, design, scenography and contemporary art.

The project also celebrates craftsmanship through collaborations with Atelier François Pouenat, Chromatic and PPG, Tréca Paris, Prelle, Tiptoe, Fenix and Material Bank, each contributing specialist expertise to create the layered, immersive installation.

Ultimately, Sebban hopes visitors leave with something simple yet profound.

The experience continues beyond the installation itself, extending into the Grand Palais concept store where Uchronia has created a collection of distinctive design objects inspired by the project.

As Paris Design Week transforms the French capital into a living atlas of contemporary creativity from 10 to 19 September 2026.  While Le Grand Bouquet promises to be one of its defining attractions - a spectacular dialogue between colour, shape, architecture and craftsmanship  - Paris Design Week will transform the Left Bank into a vibrant showcase of creativity, inviting visitors to explore a carefully curated trail of galleries, studios, showrooms and cultural venues around the Luxembourg Gardens. Blending newly opened spaces with long-established design institutions, each destination offers fresh inspiration and unexpected discoveries in the heart of Paris.

Fashion News: Levi's enters Paris Haute Couture with Christelle Kocher capsule

Levi's is making its Paris Haute Couture Week debut with a capsule collection created in collaboration with French designer Christelle Kocher, marking a significant step in the denim giant's continued push into premium fashion and cultural collaborations.

The 10-look collection reinterprets some of the brand's best-known silhouettes – including the 501® jean and Type II Jacket – through the techniques and craftsmanship associated with French haute couture. 

Developed with Kocher, who is Artistic Director of Maison Lemarié and founder of the KOCHÉ label, the capsule combines Levi's heritage with couture-level textile innovation and hand craftsmanship.

The collection transforms denim through featherwork, hand embroidery, sculptural fabric treatments, floral construction, plissé draping and resin-coated finishes, demonstrating how one of fashion's most commercially recognisable fabrics can be elevated for couture presentation. 

Alongside reworked denim separates are black denim gowns, feather capes and statement headpieces, while the Levi's Baby Brooklyn Bag has also been reimagined as a couture accessory.

The project reflects Levi's growing focus on positioning its heritage beyond traditional denim, following a series of collaborations spanning fashion, music and culture. Showing during Haute Couture Week places the American brand alongside some of the industry's most prestigious luxury houses, underlining its ambition to explore new creative territory while reinforcing the craftsmanship behind its products.

Christelle Kocher

"It was a privilege to bring these two teams together and see this collection come to life," said Kocher. "This capsule reflects my life between the United States and France, two countries that fuel my creative energy."

Mathilde Vaucheret, Vice President, Europe Marketing & Brand Experience at Levi's, said the collaboration represented a milestone for the company.

"Bringing Levi's to Paris Haute Couture for the first time is a major moment for us," she said. "With over a century of history behind the brand, partnering with Christelle Kocher felt like a natural fit. She brings a distinctly Parisian perspective with a modern edge that complements our denim heritage. Her Couture-à-Porter vision is the perfect way to elevate the craftsmanship of denim."

A key feature of the collection is the level of textile experimentation undertaken during its development. Research carried out at Levi's Eureka Lab at the company's global headquarters explored new applications for denim, including feather construction, sculptural volumes, hand embroidery and advanced fabric manipulation. Campaign imagery by photographer Kayla Connors focuses on these technical processes as much as the finished garments, highlighting the craftsmanship behind each piece.

For Kocher, whose career has combined luxury fashion with contemporary streetwear influences, the collaboration continues her long-standing interest in bringing couture techniques into everyday wardrobes. A graduate of Central Saint Martins, she has worked with Bottega Veneta, Dries Van Noten, Chloé, Martine Sitbon and Giorgio Armani. Since 2010 she has served as Artistic Director of Maison Lemarié, one of CHANEL's Métiers d'Art houses, while her own label, KOCHÉ, has earned a reputation for blending couture craftsmanship with modern sportswear and inclusive design.

The collaboration also reflects a broader trend within luxury fashion, with heritage brands increasingly using couture craftsmanship to reposition familiar products for high-profile cultural moments, celebrity dressing and red-carpet appearances. For Levi's, whose history stretches back more than 150 years, the collection signals that denim remains a platform for innovation as well as commercial appeal.

The Christelle Kocher x Levi's capsule debuts during Paris Haute Couture Week this July.

Fabric Trends: Iluna Group Reveals Three New Creative Themes for AW 2027/2028 at Milano Unica

The 43rd edition of Milano Unica will take place from 7–9 July 2026 at Fiera Milano Rho, Milan, Italy, bringing together leading textile manufacturers from around the world to showcase their latest innovations and creative developments.

Among the exhibitors, Iluna Group will present its new Autumn/Winter 2027–2028 lace collection, unveiling three creative themes that explore contemporary femininity through advanced design, innovative materials and responsible manufacturing.

For the AW 2027/2028 season, Iluna Group celebrates the many expressions of femininity with elegance, sensitivity, personality and style. Through three distinctive themes, the company continues to shape its global vision of contemporary lace design.

Whispers of Romance

Inspired by the timeless elegance of Versailles and the legacy of Marie Antoinette, Whispers of Romance reimagines romance for the modern woman. Delicate yet confident, the collection reflects a femininity where innocence meets self-awareness and sweetness evolves into quiet strength. Soft shades of ivory, blush, pale pink and pearl create an ethereal, dreamlike palette.

Nature's Embrace

Celebrating authenticity and harmony with the natural world, Nature's Embrace expresses a femininity rooted in serenity and resilience. Organic textures and understated sophistication transform fragility into strength, while tones of grey, sage green, sand, petal pink and deep green evoke peaceful landscapes and a sense of wellbeing.

Opulent Soul

The third theme, Opulent Soul, explores femininity in its fullest and most conscious expression. Here, luxury becomes an emotional experience, combining light, texture and soul. Rich transparencies and refined detailing create an opulence that is intimate rather than ostentatious, enhanced by a sophisticated colour palette of gold, red, burgundy, peacock blue and deep green.

Many of the new lace developments incorporate fibres and blends with enhanced sustainability credentials, including EVO® by Fulgar bio-based polyamide and ROICA™ V550 degradable stretch fibre, complemented by Lurex and dope-dyed viscose.

These versatile lace fabrics are suitable for a wide range of applications including apparel, shirting, lingerie, outerwear and beachwear. Offering exceptional softness, stretch and comfort, they are naturally wrinkle-resistant, rainproof and exceptionally lightweight.

EVO® by Fulgar is a 100% bio-based yarn produced from renewable castor oil and industrial corn, resources that require significantly less water and do not compete with food production. The fibre is ultra-lightweight, highly breathable, quick-drying, naturally odour-controlling, thermoregulating and requires little or no ironing.

ROICA™ V550, developed by Asahi Kasei, is a degradable stretch fibre that partially biodegrades under ISO 14855-1 testing conditions conducted by OWS, decomposing into carbon dioxide and water. It is also the world's first Cradle to Cradle Certified™ elastane yarn to achieve Material Health Gold Level certification, offering enhanced degradability compared with conventional stretch fibres.

Reflecting its ongoing commitment to innovation, Iluna Group has also recently launched a redesigned corporate website. The refreshed platform better reflects the company's evolving identity, product portfolio and service offering, while providing customers with improved access to information about its collections and sustainability initiatives.

A pioneer in sustainable lace manufacturing, Iluna Group has consistently invested in research and development to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of quality and design. Since 2018, the company has held Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification for its Green Label collection, demonstrating a responsible approach that combines innovation, aesthetics and full supply chain traceability. From polymer to finished lace, Iluna Group monitors every stage of production, measuring its sustainability performance through the Higg Index.

The company's environmental progress continues to deliver measurable results. During 2025, Iluna Group saved approximately one million litres of water through the use of recycled fibres, which require around 40% less water than conventional alternatives.

Visitors to Milano Unica are invited to discover Iluna Group's latest innovations and experience how creativity, technical excellence and sustainability continue to define the future of contemporary lace.

All images from Iluna Group

Retail Event: African Fashion Takes Centre Stage at Paris' Galeries Lafayette with Africa Now Showcase

African fashion continues to cement its place on the global stage, evolving in recent years from a niche regional industry into a recognised force within international luxury fashion. Increasingly visible on major runways, in high-end retail spaces and across mainstream popular culture, the continent's designers are attracting growing international attention.

Adama Paris

Today's African designers are known for their unique blend of heritage with modern tailoring, minimalist design and global fashion trends, creating garments that appeal to both African and international markets, often favouring  bold colour palettes, layered textures and striking contrasts.

Building on the success of  previous years' AFRICA NOW pop-up, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann has once again opened its doors to some of Africa's most exciting fashion talent. Running from 17 June to 8 July 2026, the showcase reflects the iconic Paris department store's longstanding commitment to promoting cultural exchange and creative collaboration with Africa.

Located on the third floor of the Coupole store, beneath Galeries Lafayette's celebrated Art Nouveau glass dome, the exhibition presents a curated selection of contemporary ready-to-wear, jewellery, handbags and accessories that highlight the diversity and innovation of modern African design. With its luxury boutiques and panoramic rooftop overlooking Paris, Galeries Lafayette provides a prestigious setting for a celebration of African fashion.

This year's Africa Now pop-up is presented in partnership with CANEX x TRANOÏ, Adama Paris, and Studio Ka x Africa Fashion Up, organisations that have played an increasingly influential role in promoting African designers internationally.

Christie Brown

Launched by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme supports the development of Africa's creative and cultural industries. Through its partnership with TRANOÏ—a leading Paris-based fashion trade show held during Paris Fashion Week—CANEX has, over the past eight seasons, provided African designers with access to international buyers, media and investors while helping expand opportunities in financing, production and global distribution.

Visitors to the pop-up have the opportunity to purchase exclusive pieces from designers' Spring/Summer 2026 collections, many of which are unavailable elsewhere in Paris.

Senegalese designer Adama Paris unveils an exclusive capsule collection celebrating a contemporary vision of African femininity.

Ibrahim Fernandez

Returning for a second consecutive year, Ibrahim Fernandez presents refined ready-to-wear inspired by both African and international influences. Founded in Abidjan in 2013, the label has become one of Côte d'Ivoire's leading contemporary fashion brands.

Another Senegalese label, Sisters of Afrika, founded by sisters Jeanne and Hélène Diouf, combines ethical luxury with traditional craftsmanship, locally produced textiles and modern design.

Sisters of Africa

Representing Ghana, Christie Brown, founded in 2008 by designer Aisha Ayensu, continues to reinterpret West African heritage through elegant contemporary collections aimed at an international clientele.

Late for Work

        Designers presented by CANEX           x TRANOÏ include Moroccan label Late For Work, winner of the Fashion Trust Arabia 2025 Ready-to-Wear Designer Award.  The brand reimagines women's tailoring with relaxed yet structured silhouettes that blur the line between discipline and freedom.

Judy Sanderson

Founded in 2020, Judy Sanderson combines African, European and Asian influences to produce sophisticated contemporary womenswear.

We are NBO

Kenyan jewellery brand We Are NBO showcases handcrafted sustainable jewellery produced from recycled materials.

Vanhu Vamwe

Meanwhile, Vanhu Vamwe blends Zimbabwean and Ecuadorian craftsmanship to create distinctive luxury handbags while supporting the economic empowerment of women in marginalised communities.

Eric Raisina

Africa Fashion Up x Studio Ka presents Madagascar-born designer Eric Raisina, a graduate of Paris's Duperré School of Applied Arts and the French Fashion Institute, is internationally recognised for pioneering textile innovations such as Silk Fur and Raffia Lace. His work has featured collaborations with Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Lacroix.

Kwiyiah Style 

Founded in 2017 by Lucie Gomba, Côte d'Ivoire-based Kwiyiah Style combines African cultural heritage with contemporary womenswear and has received several industry awards.

Talua

Luxury label Talua completes the line-up with refined ready-to-wear, leather goods and accessories inspired by African heritage. Combining traditional craftsmanship with clean contemporary design, the brand focuses on understated elegance and timeless luxury.

Supporting African fashion globally

The event highlights the work of its three principal partners.

Founded by Senegalese designer and entrepreneur Adama Amanda Ndiaye, Adama Paris has become one of the continent's most influential fashion organisations. Ndiaye is the founder of Dakar Fashion Week, Black Fashion Week and Black Fashion Xperience, and established Fashion Africa Channel, the first television network dedicated exclusively to African fashion. For more than two decades she has championed African designers and women entrepreneurs internationally.

CANEX x TRANOÏ continues to provide African designers with commercial opportunities through its partnership with the Paris and Tokyo editions of the TRANOÏ trade show, helping brands establish a foothold in international fashion markets.

Founded by Valérie Ka, Africa Fashion Up has become a leading Paris-based platform supporting emerging African designers through mentoring, industry partnerships and international exposure. 

The AFRICA NOW pop-up continues until 8 July 2026 at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, 40 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris.

Show Report: Blossom Première Vision Unveils AW27-28 Colour Directions as Craftsmanship and Manufacturing Take Centre Stage

The June 2026 edition of Blossom Première Vision, held at the historic Carreau du Temple in Paris's Marais district, offered an early glimpse of the Autumn-Winter 2027-28 season, unveiling key colour directions while placing renewed emphasis on material innovation, manufacturing expertise and exceptional craftsmanship.

Taking place on 3-4 June, the event revealed the first shades of the season's palette under the theme "Wild Matter", a concept celebrating the intrinsic force of nature. The colour forecast presented a cultivated palette shaped by an expanding ecosystem, combining organic nuances, pigmented greys and sophisticated bright tones. The result was a regenerative, hybrid and grounded colour story designed to bridge nature and innovation.

At the heart of the exhibition, the Fashion Forum showcased some of the most creative savoir-faire for the AW27-28 season. More than 75 exhibitors, carefully selected from around the world, participated in the event, with particularly strong representation from France, Italy and the United Kingdom.

For this latest edition, Blossom Première Vision placed material at the centre of its narrative. Presented as a living, evolving element, material served as the common thread linking craftsmanship, technical expertise and artisanal knowledge. Organisers positioned it as a key driver of desirability, emotional connection and excellence within luxury fashion.

A major development for 2026 was the introduction of a dedicated area focused on specialised garment manufacturing. For the first time, members of the Groupement de la Fabrication Française (GFF) and Mode Grand Ouest (MGO) joined selected French workshops and manufacturers to showcase contemporary production capabilities rooted in traditional craftsmanship.

By integrating manufacturing expertise directly into the sourcing environment, the event offered designers and brands a comprehensive 360-degree ecosystem. Exhibitors demonstrated a range of specialist skills, including pleating, structural shaping, precision tailoring and the transformation of premium materials into finished garments. Together, they highlighted the strength of French manufacturing, where craftsmanship, technical precision and flexibility support both creative development and the production of complete collections.

The show also placed a strong spotlight on France's rich heritage of artisanal excellence through the Réseau Excellence initiative, which brought together companies certified as Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV). The network promotes outstanding French craftsmanship both domestically and internationally and, for this edition, showcased a rare concentration of EPV-certified exhibitors.

The selection highlighted regional traditions from across France, including Lyon's renowned silk heritage, Normandy's garment-making expertise and metalworking craftsmanship from Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. Exhibitors represented a broad spectrum of specialist skills, including luxury silk weaving, Jacquard innovation, Lyonnais printing, artisanal knitwear, premium leather tanning, haute couture lace, embroidery and bespoke metal accessories. Through this initiative, Blossom Première Vision reinforced its position as a refined, high-end platform showcasing the intersection of craftsmanship, luxury and innovation.

Alongside the sourcing and manufacturing showcases, visitors were also invited to engage with a special artistic installation presented by Guigou Fashion House. Founded in 1826 and long recognised as a key supplier to some of the world's leading couture houses, Guigou marked its bicentenary with an immersive installation created under the artistic direction of Olivia Philibert (in right picture).

Drawing on her dual practice in contemporary dance and fashion, Philibert reinterpreted Guigou's textiles through what she describes as "organ-garments" — poetic and sensory extensions of the human body that treat fabric as an integral part of physical existence. The installation encouraged visitors to reflect on the enduring relationship between textiles, the body and human evolution, offering a creative counterpoint to the show's commercial and technical focus.

Blossom Première Vision also reaffirmed its commitment to celebrating the individuals who preserve and transmit artisanal knowledge by highlighting emerging creative talent. This season's featured artist was Kai Otsuki (in left picture), whose practice combines embroidery and artificial flower-making to place materiality and craftsmanship at the heart of contemporary fashion.

Otsuki's three-dimensional creations sit at the intersection of exceptional ornamentation and garment construction, translating artisanal excellence into everyday wardrobes through a contemporary lens. His work creates a dialogue between historical references and urban influences, resulting in an aesthetic that is both sensitive and distinctly modern. By spotlighting such emerging talents, the event underscored the continued relevance of traditional craft disciplines within contemporary luxury fashion.

Known for its intimate format and highly selective positioning, Blossom Première Vision continues to serve as a focused business platform for the luxury fashion industry. The event facilitated direct engagement between exhibitors and decision-makers from leading fashion houses, supporting sourcing activities, strategic meetings and partnership development.

According to organisers, the show's curated approach encourages high-quality interactions and strong commercial potential, providing exhibitors with opportunities to expand professional networks, enhance visibility and generate new business.

As the luxury sector faces increasing demands for transparency, traceability and proven expertise, Blossom Première Vision is evolving to place greater emphasis on the craftsmanship and textile culture that underpin the industry's future. By bringing together luxury garment manufacturers, specialist artisans, heritage companies and emerging creative voices, the event offered a strategic and inspiring meeting place for fashion professionals seeking to shape the next generation of luxury craftsmanship and innovation.

The next edition of Blossom Première Vision will take place on 9-10 December 2026. For the first time, the show will welcome a curated selection of Maison d'Exceptions exhibitors, bringing together rare craftsmanship, exceptional techniques and distinctive creative expertise.

Featuring artisans from around the world, this exclusive showcase will offer visitors the opportunity to discover some of the most remarkable expressions of innovation and savoir-faire. The addition is expected to further strengthen Blossom Première Vision's position as a key destination for fashion professionals seeking inspiration, excellence and cutting-edge craftsmanship.

Images from Blossom Première Vision website.

Home and Lifestyle Design Showcase: Wow!house 2026 at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, London - from June 2 - July 2

WOW!house 2026, now in its fifth year, is deemed the ultimate design barometer.  The month-long exhibition runs from 2 June to 2 July 2026 at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, featuring 22 full-scale rooms and outdoor installations created by 22 internationally renowned interior designers and architects in collaboration with leading sponsoring design brands and suppliers.

Schumacher Dining Room by Max Rollitt
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Widely regarded as one of the most influential destinations in the luxury interiors sector, the  immersive showhouse is erected within the Design Centre's Design Avenue, offering visitors the opportunity to experience highly detailed interiors as they walk through the connecting rooms as if in a real home.

The Art of Arrival - Entrance Hall by Francis Sultana
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Among the highlights is the Entrance Garden by landscape designers Hay Hwang and Simon Kitchin of The Gardenists. Inspired by the façade’s arched colonnades, the garden incorporates columnar evergreens, clipped bay laurel trees and white digitalis blooms arranged around English limestone and hand-crafted stone detailing supplied by Artorius Faber. A lead lion-mask fountain by Garden Art Plus provides a classical focal point to the space.

Artorius Faber Entrance Garden by The Gardenists
Photo by James McDonald

Another debut installation comes from Studio Enass, whose Garden Folly Room draws on designer Enass Mahmoud’s North African and Arab heritage. Conceived as a secluded island retreat, the room combines gemstone hues, layered textures and ornate decorative details including bronze mirrored ceilings, patterned textiles and handcrafted lighting.

Phillip Jeffries Morning Room by Sara Cosgrove
Photo by James McDonald

A recurring theme throughout WOW!house 2026 is the idea of slowing down and creating spaces of retreat from modern life.  In the Morning Room sponsored by Phillip Jeffries, interior designer Sara Cosgrove has created what she describes as “a quiet, uplifting analogue sanctuary”. ‘Aura’ mural with softly glazed surfaces designed to capture and reflect light.

Shepel' Library by Roisin Lafferty
Photo by James McDonald

Similarly, the Shepel’ Library by Dublin-based designer Róisín Lafferty embraces art deco influences through the use of burl timber, parchment and ebony finishes. The room has been designed as a contemplative environment where “the tempo softens” and discovery takes precedence over distraction.

Misia for Casamance Group Bedroom Suite by Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Art deco references continue in the Bedroom Suite by Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay, created in partnership with Misia, part of the Casamance Group. Jazz Age-inspired fabrics, period furniture and hand-carved detailing combine to evoke the glamour of 1930s interiors.

Samuel Heath Primary Bathroom by Rigby & Rigby
Photo by James McDonald

In contrast, the Primary Bathroom by Rigby & Rigby adopts a minimalist Japandi aesthetic, blending Scandinavian simplicity with Japanese-inspired wellness traditions. A circular wooden ofuro bath forms the centrepiece, while integrated technology is used to create a calming sensory experience.

Elsewhere, De Rosee Sa’s Ca’ Pietra Bathroom transports visitors to a Mediterranean hotel of the 1970s, while Samantha Bartlett’s Martin Moore Kitchen celebrates tactile natural materials including fumed oak, bronze and Verde Natura quartzite.

Martin Moore Kitchen with Samantha Bartlett
Photo by James McDonald

“This is a room rooted in the poetry of nature,” says Bartlett. Martin Moore’s Legacy kitchen is the key focus, in a quietly glamorous combination of grained fumed oak teamed with bronze handles paired with Verde Natura quartzite.

Lalique Home Bar by Elicyon
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Luxury craftsmanship also takes centre stage in the Lalique Home Bar by Elicyon, where designer

Lalique Home Bar by Elicyon
Photo by James McDonald

Charu Gandhi has incorporated crystal panels inspired by René Lalique’s celebrated 1928 designs for the Orient Express.  

The iconic French house's art deco heritage is referenced in the many arches and curves.  The ceiling is a showcase for the magnificent "Swallows" chandelier while the walls and bar are inset with a bold, asymmetrical composition of crystal panels inspired by stories of goddesses and mythology.

Benjamin Moore Minhwa Salon by Young Huh
Photo by James McDonald

Benjamin Moore Minhwa Salon by Young Huh
Photo by James McDonald

International influences continue in the Benjamin Moore Minhwa Salon by New York-based designer Young Huh, who references Korean folk art alongside the opulent miniature paintings of Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace.  The Salon is bursting with colours and patterns.  The lacquered walls are inset with 55 boxes painted in joyful high gloss colours often found in fold art, according to the designer.

Technology-driven design features prominently in the Nucleus Immersive Room by Russell Sage Studio. Equipped with a HYRISS immersive sound system by L-Acoustics, Sony display technology and integrated Crestron controls, the installation combines light, sound, scent and texture to create what designer Russell Sage calls “The Momentarium” — an environment intended to redefine shared sensory experiences.

Traditional craftsmanship is also celebrated throughout the exhibition. Max Rollitt’s Schumacher Dining Room juxtaposes 18th-century-inspired architecture with contemporary interpretations of dining culture, while Tiffany Duggan’s Speakeasy Salon combines theatrical interiors with multifunctional living.

Richard Miers’ Courtyard for Munder Skiles
Photo by James McDonald

Outdoor living spaces form another key component of the showhouse. Richard Miers’ Courtyard for Munder Skiles recreates a timeless stone courtyard shaded by London plant trees.

The main focus of the courtyard space is a showstopping "Whispering Water" feature.

Fettle Design’s Garden Terrace for Perennials and Sutherland
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Fettle Design’s Garden Terrace for Perennials and Sutherland evokes the atmosphere of a relaxed romantic Italian holiday setting with Mediterranean-inspired materials, furnishings and textiles, inspired by Perennials’ La Dolce Vita collection and incorporating Sutherland’s skillfully-crafted performance furniture.

Perennials and Sutherland Garden Terrace
Photo by Lucia Carpio

To explore all the Rooms in preparation for your visit to WOW!, click HERE.

In addition to the showhouse itself, more than 130 showrooms across the Design Centre will open to ticketed visitors during the event, showcasing luxury interiors, furnishings and design innovation from across the industry.

A series of more than 20 talks will take place across the month, curated to inspire and inform. For more information and tickets, click HERE.  There are also special guided tours throughout the month where visitors can gain extra insights into the creativity behind the WOW!rooms. 

Now in its fifth year, WOW!house has established itself as one of the UK’s leading cultural and design events, offering visitors immersive interiors intended to inspire, entertain and redefine how design is experienced.