Showing posts with label designers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label designers. Show all posts

Wednesday, 13 August 2025

Fashion Event: London Fashion Week to Return This September with Expanded Line-Up and Global Focus

London Fashion Week (LFW)* will return this autumn, running from 18 to 22 September, with an expanded schedule celebrating Britain’s bold creative voice and welcoming a new wave of talent. The British Fashion Council (BFC) has confirmed a line-up featuring both established names and rising designers, alongside a series of strategic changes aimed at strengthening the event’s cultural and commercial impact.

Burberry SS 2021

This season marks an 18 per cent increase in the number of designers showing on the official schedule, reflecting Chief Executive Laura Weir’s renewed focus on cultural relevance, global competitiveness, and meaningful support for emerging talent.

Among the changes, the BFC has waived show fees for designer members presenting physical shows on the main schedule and doubled investment in the LFW Guest Programme—supported by the Department for Business and Trade—to host a larger cohort of international press, buyers, and cultural commentators.

Emilia Wickstead

The provisional schedule includes fashion powerhouses such as Burberry, Erdem, Emilia Wickstead, Simone Rocha, and Roksanda—celebrating its 20th anniversary—alongside the influential talent incubator Fashion East, which marks its 25th year. 

Roksanda AW24

JW Anderson will host a special evening event in collaboration with the BFC to celebrate the brand’s relaunch, while BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund winner Conner Ives will present a new collection. Cult label Chopova Lowena returns to the schedule, joined by Ahluwalia, Harris Reed, Labrum London, Marques’Almeida, Paolo Carzana, Patrick McDowell, Richard Quinn, Talia Byre, and Tove.

Simone Rocha AW24

The BFC NEWGEN programme will once again showcase emerging talent both physically and digitally, including Aaron Esh, Aletta, Charlie Constantinou, Ewusie, Johanna Parv, Karoline Vitto, Kazna Asker, Liza Keane, Louther, Lueder, Octi, Oscar Ouyang, Pauline Dujancourt, Steve O Smith, Tolu Coker, The Ouze, The Winter House, and Yaku. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has reaffirmed its support for the BFC NEWGEN showspace at 180 Strand for the next four years.

This season will also feature retail-led activations bridging culture and commerce, with stylist Harry Lambert launching a Disney x Zara collection at Selfridges and H&M returning to the schedule with “The London Issue” catwalk.

International collaboration will be in the spotlight as celebrated Indian designer Anamika Khanna makes her LFW debut. Other first-time catwalk appearances include Dreaming Eli, Kseniaschnaider, and Rory William Docherty, while Kyle Ho, Lucila Safdie, and adaptive fashion brand Unhidden will debut with standalone presentations.

LFW will conclude on Monday evening with a closing party hosted by the BFC in partnership with Outlander magazine, supported by 1664 Blanc, which returns as Principal Partner for the second year. Other official partners include eBay, Dylon, Pandora, Sprayground, The Londoner, Toni&Guy, HM Government, and the Mayor of London, with Malin+Goetz and Ocean Outdoor confirmed as official supporters.

Click HERE for the London Fashion Week schedule.

*First established in 1984, London Fashion Week is one of the world’s “Big Four” fashion showcases, alongside New York, Milan, and Paris. Organised by the British Fashion Council, the biannual event presents collections from leading British and international designers to global media, buyers, and industry figures. Renowned for its creativity, innovation, and support for emerging talent, LFW has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of designers such as Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, and Christopher Kane, while cementing London’s reputation as a global hub for bold, forward-thinking fashion.




Thursday, 7 August 2025

Copenhagen Fashion Week: Baum und Pferdgarten Unveils SS26 Collection “Notes from the Grandstand” at Historic Danish Racetrack

Danish fashion house Baum und Pferdgarten brought equestrian elegance to the runway with the debut of its Spring/Summer 2026 collection - Notes from the Grandstand - presented on 6 August at Copenhagen Fashion Week. The show took place at the Charlottenlund Travbane, the oldest racetrack in the Nordics, still active today and steeped in history — a fitting venue for a collection inspired by the world of the Derby.


Set between the old horse stables, the show highlighted the equestrian spirit that forms the heart of the collection. Creative Directors Rikke Baumgarten and Helle Hestehave drew on their lifelong connection to horses to create a collection that captures the atmosphere of the racetrack — from the sharp, functional uniforms of jockeys to the pageantry of guests dressed to impress.

“We were drawn to the sharp colour-blocking and purpose-driven silhouettes of jockeys — so bold, so functional, so instantly recognisable,” said Baumgarten and Hestehave. “And just as captivating were the guests, dressed to be seen from every angle. That tension between performance and pageantry gave us a rich foundation to explore character, contrast, and everything in between.”

Notes from the Grandstand is a study in contrasts. Sporting elements are reimagined through a refined, fashion-forward lens. Striped nylon nods to jockey uniforms, while checks and vibrant colour-blocking bring a sense of dynamic movement. Feminine details — such as frilled accents on outerwear and softly draped blouses — provide tension and elegance in equal measure.



The collection is also rich in texture and symbolic motifs: powder pink hues and faux suede accessories evoke composed drama, while horse rosettes and vintage lace reference equestrian tradition. Leopard prints and faux leather inject modern energy into the otherwise heritage-inspired lineup.

Silhouettes ranged from dropped-waist dresses to sharp, tailored pieces and fluid layering. The overall effect was one of graceful utility, grounded in tradition but reaching confidently into the contemporary.

The casting blended familiar faces and new talent, with models including Anaa Saber, Emma Rosenzweig, Eddie Klint, Bibi Abdulkadir, and Boy Ewald. Many have previously walked for the house, underscoring the brand’s ongoing dialogue between continuity and innovation.

Beauty direction was provided by M.A.C. Cosmetics Nordics, with hair by Oribe. A special runway-exclusive T-shirt was also introduced during the show, available for immediate purchase via Baum und Pferdgarten’s website and flagship Copenhagen boutique.

For Baumgarten and Hestehave, the show marked a personal return to their roots. Both designers grew up around horses, and this collection weaves their childhood memories of racetracks and stables into a rich visual narrative.

With Notes from the Grandstand, Baum und Pferdgarten continues to celebrate storytelling through fashion — where tradition meets transformation, and every garment is part of the show.

All photos by James Cochrane, at Copenhagen Fashion Week SS26 edition.

Wednesday, 6 August 2025

Copenhagen Fashion Week: Caro Editions Delivers a Love Letter With SS26 Show “Under the Bridge” - Featuring a Collaboration with Mulberry

Beneath the steel beams and cobblestones of Knippelsbro (Knippel Bridge in English) - a place steeped in personal history - Caro Editions unveiled its Spring/Summer 2026 collection with a show that was equal parts fashion, memory, and poetic resistance.

Caro Editios designer and founder Caroline Bille Brahe flanked by two of her models.
Copenhagen Fashion Week Photo by James Cochrane

Titled “Under the Bridge,” the presentation held on August 4 - day one of Copenhagen Fashion Week, marked a deeply intimate return for designers Caroline and Frederik Bille Brahe, who were married in this very spot. Years later, the bridge now served as the emotional and symbolic foundation for a show that explored the intersection of romance, public space, and soft rebellion.


In a raw, urban setting beneath one of Copenhagen’s busiest thoroughfares, Caro Editions built a dreamscape of tenderness and texture. Flowing silk dresses, hand-embroidered garments, and veiled silhouettes evoked memories of bridalwear, while simultaneously subverting traditional tropes. The bride here was not bound to convention — she was a symbol of visibility, activism, and individuality, inspired in part by Yoko Ono’s Brides on Tour.

“There’s lots of black, a first for me,” said Caroline Bille Brahe. “But also glorious colours and contrasts. I was thinking about wedding guests of all kinds — different ages, sizes, styles. Rich silks in workwear shapes. Comfortable, glamorous, real.”

One of the most talked-about moments was the finale: a bride in a lace hoodie, a silk windbreaker, and custom Crocs — Caro’s idea of a down-to-earth muse, ready to dance all night. This wasn’t a traditional wedding procession. It was a playful yet profound meditation on the joy of showing up — as yourself, in full colour.


Soundtracking the show was a custom composition by Frederik Valentin. His mix of punk and pop created a sonic collage, echoing the show’s nostalgic thread — a fragmented love story slowly unfolding into something melodic, emotional, even euphoric.

This season also saw a standout collaboration with British heritage brand Mulberry. In a celebration of reuse and reimagination, Caroline reworked vintage Mulberry bags into eight one-of-a-kind designs — adorned with Caro’s signature silk bows, embroidery, and contrasting linings. “In my generation, if your mother had a Mulberry bag, you were lucky,” Caroline recalled. “Now I’ve made my own — with the lining on the outside instead of hidden. It’s all about turning memory inside out.”


Founded in 2022, Caro Editions has quickly built a reputation for blending romantic nostalgia with modern ease. Often working with deadstock fabrics from Chanel, Dries Van Noten, and Harris Tweed, the label champions craft, sustainability, and individuality — always with a playful twist.

“I resist the idea of the Caro girl,” said Caroline. “I don’t want to put anyone in a box. I want people to fall in love with a piece of our world and make it their own. That’s the essence of Caro Editions.”



With Under the Bridge, the brand didn’t just deliver a fashion show — it delivered a love letter. To Copenhagen. To memory. To presence. And above all, to the quiet power of showing up — together.

All photos by James Cochrane, at Copenhagen Fashion Week SS26 edition. 

Monday, 9 June 2025

Interior Design Event: WOW!house Returns to Chelsea Harbour - an Immersive Showcase Bringing Design Concepts to Life

Homeowners often struggle to visualise new design ideas, even when presented with detailed mood boards or high-quality renderings. While these tools are helpful, nothing compares to experiencing a design concept in a real-life setting.


That’s exactly what WOW!house offers. Running this month through to 3 July 2025 at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, London, the event presents an unparalleled opportunity to explore fully-realised interiors brought to life by some of the world’s leading interior designers.

WOW!house features 22 meticulously designed rooms and outdoor spaces, each created in collaboration with globally recognised design brands and suppliers. These full-scale environments—constructed within the Design Avenue—offer visitors a rare chance to walk through, feel, and truly experience design concepts as they would appear in a real home.

Starting at the newly reimagined classical façade, visitors enter a 600-square-metre show-house that offers an immersive exploration of luxury interior design at its finest. 

For those seeking to understand how creative concepts evolve into fully realised spaces, WOW!house serves as the ultimate source of inspiration.

 The Façade, by Darren Price of ADAM Architecture, introduces a refined classical character to this year’s WOW!house. It is accompanied by a beautifully planted Entrance Garden and a lush Garden Terrace, created by garden designer Alexander Hoyle.  The  façade design takes its cues from the elegance of a Georgian townhouse, featuring handmade cornices and heritage-style lighting. However, this is no period pastiche. Instead, it offers a contemporary reinterpretation of classical architecture—“a demonstration that the timeless language of classicism remains as relevant and inspiring today as it was 250 years ago.”


The Entrance Hall, designed by Victoria Davar of Maison Artefact, evokes the grandeur of a French château. To create a sense of scale and drama, Davar raised the ceiling height to five metres and introduced a floating staircase by Excel Stairs, suggesting the presence of an upper floor and rooms beyond.  At the heart of the space are striking sculptural pieces by room sponsor Cox London—the renowned furniture, lighting, and art studio. Taking centre stage is the show-stopping Oak Leaf chandelier, a dramatic focal point that sets the tone for the elegance to follow.

The Fromental Drawing Room, designed by Texas-based Chad Dorsey, exudes the atmosphere of an exclusive private club. A bespoke Strike fireplace, sumptuous furnishings, and a raised ceiling adorned with statement chandeliers set a tone of understated luxury. The space is wrapped in Kiku—a series of exquisite hand-painted panels by room sponsor Fromental—bringing artistry and depth to every surface. Natural motifs are thoughtfully echoed in both the chandeliers and the decorative ceiling wallcovering, creating a harmonious and immersive environment.

The Media Room, designed by Alex Dauley, offers an intimate, cocooning retreat in rich tones of amber, walnut, and antique brass. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined—both sophisticated and sensuous.   Created in collaboration with sponsor Nucleus, renowned for crafting immersive environments, the space is a sanctuary of texture and contrast. Thoughtfully layered materials highlight the harmony between craftsmanship and comfort, while discreetly integrated surround sound speakers ensure a seamless and enveloping audio experience.


Designer Brigitta Spinocchia Freund, in collaboration with STARK, presents the Curator’s Room—integrating two connecting rooms - that celebrates collectible furniture, fine art, and exceptional artisanal craftsmanship. With a strong focus on female creative talent across generations, the room highlights influential women in art and design from the past, present, and future.  Visually striking and richly tactile, the space is both a tribute and a showcase, honouring the enduring impact of women’s contributions to the creative world.

The Primary Bedroom, designed by Tomef Design, transports visitors into the master suite of a luxurious Venetian hotel, where layers of detail, colour, pattern, and texture come together in perfect harmony.  The palette is rich and inviting, with deep burgundy and ruby tones accented by gold, amber, brown, black, and varied shades of green—evoking a sense of tradition and timeless elegance.  Tommaso Franchi, founder of Tomef Design, has partnered with three of Italy’s most revered heritage brands: renowned fabric house Fortuny, handcrafted rattan specialists Bonacina, and master glassmakers Barovier & Toso. Together, they have created a space that beautifully celebrates the artistry and legacy of Italian craftsmanship.

The adjoining Primary Bathroom by 1508 London is a contemporary sanctuary dedicated to ancient cleansing rituals, sponsored by House of Rohl.








Next door, the Morning Room features soaring ceilings and walls dressed in cotton poplin, hand screen-printed with a trompe-l'Å“il design inspired by 20th-century garden room treillage.  Interior designer and antique dealer Daniel Slowik has curated an elegant collection of paintings, furniture, and objets d’art sourced from exhibitors at The Treasure House Fair—the prestigious summer art fair founded by Thomas Woodham-Smith and Harry Van der Hoorn, which also sponsors the room.

The Courtyard Room, designed by Emma Sims-Hilditch, is a charming blend of classic elegance and playful practicality. Conceived as a refined back-of-house space, it seamlessly combines form and function with thoughtful features such as a boot room and a dedicated dog room.  Antiques, fine art, decorative wall finishes, and carefully considered architectural details lend the room a sense of history and permanence—creating the impression of a newly built space that feels as though it has always belonged.

The Living Room, designed by interior designer Kelly Hoppen, is a masterclass in tactile sophistication—moody, unexpected, and richly layered. Created in collaboration with lighting specialists and room sponsor Visual Comfort & Co., the space strikes a delicate balance between beauty and function.  Hoppen’s earthy palette of deep browns, terracottas, and soft neutrals evokes a sense of warmth, comfort, and tranquility. Natural materials—such as wood, honed stone, rose quartz, suede, and linen—enhance the room’s grounded elegance. “The room blends asymmetry, history, and personal storytelling,” said Hoppen, bringing a deeply personal narrative to a serene and thoughtfully composed space.


The Library offers an experience that celebrates both the power of silence and the expression of sound. This extraordinary circular space is the creation of Clémence Pirajean Lees and James Michael Lees, founders of the creative direction and design studio Pirajean Lees, in collaboration with the Italian fabric house Dedar, the room’s sponsor.  The room is wrapped in Dedar’s sumptuous wool satin, while the rug—crafted by Jennifer Manners—transforms A440Hz, the musical tuning standard, into a visible and striking pattern, blending artistry with sound.

In contrast, the Dining Room is a vibrant feast of colour inspired by Australia. Designed by Australian-born, London-based designer Peter Mikic and sponsored by Benjamin Moore, a leading manufacturer celebrated for its premium-quality paints, the space bursts with energy and character.  Dominating the room is an abstract artwork by Billy Metcalf, paired with a bespoke round dining table by British furniture brand Kaizen, adorned with semi-precious stones—adding a touch of luxurious craftsmanship to the bold, colourful setting.

The final space at WOW!house is the Garden Terrace, designed by Randle Siddeley and sponsored by McKinnon and Harris. Enclosed by an ornate trellis, meticulously handcrafted for the space by The Garden Trellis Company, the terrace features a striking stone fireplace framed by a lush green wall that serves as a focal point. Surrounding this, intimate seating areas are embraced by vibrant greenery, creating a serene oasis.

One of the best ways to experience WOW!house and deepen one's understanding of the creativity behind the rooms is by joining a complimentary guided tour that goes with the entry ticket. Visitors gain exclusive insights into how world-class designers transformed their concepts into spectacular, fully realised spaces. 

also troughout the month, there is a talks programme featuring many of the WOW!house designers who provide deeper insight into the creative intentions behind the rooms and the collaborative processes that brought the schemes to life.  

For the programme of WOW!Talks, click HERE.

As a dedicated centre for luxury interiors, the Design Centre is celebrated for its distinctive architectural style—modern, elegant, and designed to maximise natural light. Its main building is arranged around a central atrium, creating an inviting and uplifting environment for all who visit.

Originally part of a wider regeneration project transforming Chelsea Harbour from a commercial dock into a vibrant district, the Design Centre has become an international destination for sourcing the finest interior products and exploring the latest design trends. It is widely recognised as one of the country's if not the world’s foremost design destinations.

All images by Lucia Carpio.


Friday, 25 October 2024

Home and Contract Textiles Fair: Heimtextil 2025 to Unveil New Design Trend Curator and Expanded Product Offerings from January 14–17 in Frankfurt

Heimtextil, one of the world’s largest and most influential trade fairs for home and contract textiles, serves as a major platform for manufacturers, designers, and retailers in the textile and interior design industries. The fair showcases the latest trends, innovations, and insights across home textiles, furnishings, and sustainable materials.

Organized by Messe Frankfurt, Heimtextil will next take place from January 14-17 2025 in its extensive exhibition grounds in Frankfurt. The event will span 16 hall levels dedicated to various textile categories, from fibres and yarns to finished products, providing a comprehensive market overview.

On a visit to London in October, Ivonne Seifert, Heimtextil's Director of Marketing Communications, shared that to-date approximately 2,900 exhibitors from 60 countries are set to present their latest collections, materials, and textile solutions, each showcasing current trends and innovations. Seifert highlighted that the upcoming event would introduce new highlights and additions, making Heimtextil a prime destination for trade visitors eager to expand their textile knowledge. As a networking and knowledge hub, Heimtextil aids companies in future-proofing their development and growth.

In response to growing demand for trend guidance, Heimtextil has, for the first time, enlisted Milan-based design platform Alcova to curate the Heimtextil Trends 25/26.  Additionally, world-renowned designer and architect Patricia Urquiola will bring textile design to life with an exclusive installation under the theme “among-us” in the Trend Arena.

Click HERE to read the full article.

All photos from Heimtextil January 2024 event, courtesy of Messe Frankfurt.