5 things to expect from London Fashion Week SS26 A new chapter for the British capital?
Today marks the beginning of the second leg of the fashion month with London Fashion Week SS26. After having skipped the menswear shows last June, LFW has undergone a complete overhaul under the guidance of the new British Fashion Council chair, Laura Weir. At a time when many British designers are moving elsewhere, to cultural hubs such as Milan, Paris, and Berlin, the London calendar is progressively emptying out and, as a result, the international press has started to push London Fashion Week to the bottom of its priority list. Could this season represent the comeback moment the English capital has been chasing for so long? While the spotlight is now mainly on the new generation of emerging designers, London still boasts established names that, over the past year, have experienced, some more visibly than others, a phase of renewed appreciation. Here are 5 things to expect from London Fashion Week SS26.
1) The Year of Dilara Findikoglu
2025 is, without a doubt, the year of Dilara Findikoglu. The Turkish designer was behind some of the most viral celebrity looks of the year: from Lady Gaga’s Coachella set costumes, to the outfit chosen by Kim Kardashian for Jeff Bezos’s wedding, all the way to Jenna Ortega’s press tour for Wednesday 2. Whether it’s the influence of the “Nosferatu Winter” or not, Findikoglu’s couture fits seamlessly into the current gothic imagination dominating today’s trends. After a summer filled with successes and recognition, the designer now seems fully ready to cement her role on the global stage.
2) New Burberry
Daniel Lee’s Burberry had not been convincing until the most recent collection, which brought the English Maison back to its roots: with mud, music, and a revival of the (old) logo that managed to win over both the general public and fashion insiders. Will the campaigns featuring Alexa Chung and Cara Delevingne be enough to truly relaunch the quintessential English brand? Only time will tell, but for now, the Burberry check seems to have found new life.
3) Conner Ives and the Viral T-Shirt
Without a doubt, the most viral fashion item of the year has been the “Protect the dolls” t-shirt by American designer Conner Ives. But what comes next? The answer appears to lie in London, as Ives has chosen to showcase his SS26 collection here after winning the 2025 British Council Fashion Fund. While it’s not yet clear what direction the brand’s next chapter will take, we can expect a perfect balance between delicate femininity and a strong passion for sportswear—two traits that have now become the hallmarks of his vision.
4) Simone Rocha is Growing
The past few collections have already hinted at a shift in direction: Irish designer Simone Rocha is gradually moving away from her signature codes of pink silk and pearls to embrace a more mature and striking version of her aesthetic. More leather, some scattered fur, and the introduction of a new defining color: red. Feminine, yes, but also infused with a punk spirit. The question is how this evolution will fully manifest in her SS26 collection.
5) Chopova Lowena’s Tartan Revolution Continues
After dressing bands like Fontaines D.C., the girl group Katseye, and partnering with Sony on one of the most functional and coveted bags of the past year, the Bulgarian duo Chopova Lowena has already teased its new collection through three enigmatic Instagram posts, inspired by a fairytale imagery reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. As suggested by the preview, there will be no shortage of pleats, beads, and glitter.
