London Fashion Week’s 40th Anniversary: Celebrating Four Decades of Fashion and Culture
Institute of Contemporary Arts, London – June 7-9, 2024
This year, London Fashion Week June (LFW) celebrated its 40th anniversary with vibrant events highlighting the city’s creative and innovative spirit. From June 7th to 9th, the fashion world turned its eyes to London, where both established and emerging designers showcased their latest collections in a mix of physical and digital presentations. Here’s a comprehensive look at the highlights from this milestone event.
A Historic Beginning
The 40th anniversary celebrations kicked off with a ceremonial opening at the London Stock Exchange, symbolizing the significant economic impact of the fashion industry. Members of the British Fashion Council (BFC) led the ceremony, marking the start of an exciting week filled with fashion showcases and cultural events.
Iconic Designers and New Faces
This special edition of LFW was a testament to British fashion’s rich history and dynamic future. Paul Costelloe, a favorite of Diana, Princess of Wales, opened the festivities, setting a nostalgic yet forward-looking tone. Notable brands like Burberry, under the creative direction of Daniel Lee and JW Anderson, presented their latest collections, captivating audiences with their innovative designs.
Emerging talents were also in the spotlight. The BFC NEWGEN program featured designers like Derrick, who made his catwalk debut, and Tolu Coker, showcasing their collections to a global audience. These new voices in fashion brought fresh perspectives and highlighted the importance of supporting upcoming designers.
Diverse and Inclusive Runways
LFW’s commitment to diversity and inclusion was evident throughout the week. The event featured a wide range of designers from various backgrounds, reflecting the multicultural essence of London. Simone Rocha’s collection, inspired by the mourning dress of Queen Victoria, was a standout. Presented in the crypts of St Bartholomew the Great, her show combined historical references with modern-day edginess, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.
Molly Goddard’s playful yet sophisticated designs, featuring her signature ruffled dresses and vibrant colors, continued to evolve, drawing inspiration from 1960s couture. Her show included vintage-inspired shirts and rose-embellished knitwear, highlighting her brand’s versatility and creative depth.
Cultural Celebrations and Innovative Presentations
Spotlighting Cultures with Guest Curators The cultural program was curated by broadcaster Clara Amfo, writer and activist Kai-Isaiah Jamal, and creative Simran Randhawa. The program kicked off with a panel discussion on the impacts of Black, South Asian, and queer cultures on British fashion. This insider-only event focused on the significant cultural influences that have shaped the British fashion industry.
Sound & Harmony: Spotlighting Black Artists Hosted by Clara Amfo, this event celebrated the contributions of Black artists to music and fashion. Amfo, a dynamic voice in British radio and television, highlighted how these elements harmonize to create powerful cultural expressions.
Afternoon “T”: You Make This Place Beautiful Curated and hosted by Kai-Isaiah Jamal, this exhibition emphasized themes of self-love and community within the queer and trans communities. The event included discussions and performances that highlighted the beauty and strength within these communities.
Explorations in Blue Principal partner 1664 Blanc hosted “Explorations in Blue,” inviting participants to select exhibitions and more panel talks. This unique collaboration celebrated individuality and creativity while breaking down barriers in the fashion industry.
Diversity in Creative Industries Journalist Maliha Shoaib led a conversation with creatives Simran Randhawa and Lea Ogunlami about diversity in the fashion industry, featuring insights from South Asian cultural perspectives.
Business & Authenticity Victoria Moss, Fashion Director at Evening Standard, led a panel talk with designers Charlie Casely-Hayford and Rejina Pyo on supporting young talent from diverse backgrounds and sustaining a fashion brand in an evolving environment.
Performative Activism in Fashion Journalist Kemi Alemoru hosted a discussion with queer model and activist Munroe Bergdorf and adaptive designer Victoria Jenkins on performative activism and its impact on the fashion industry.
In Conversation with Charles Jeffrey and Raven Smith Celebrating ten years of his iconic brand Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY, designer Charles Jeffrey spoke with Vogue columnist Raven Smith about his experiences and the development of the fashion landscape over the past decade.
A Dinner Celebrating South Asian Impact on British Fashion
Simran Randhawa hosted a dinner event celebrating the South Asian influence on British fashion. This event honored the inspiration South Asian culture has provided to British fashion, particularly in areas such as pattern, textile, and craftsmanship. The dinner featured a curated menu and conversations that delved into the rich heritage and contemporary contributions of South Asian designers and artisans.
Looking Ahead
The 40th anniversary of London Fashion Week was a testament to the resilience, creativity, and innovation of the British fashion industry. This historic event not only celebrated the past but also set the stage for future trends and innovations in fashion. As we look forward to the next season, the impact of this milestone event will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence the global fashion landscape.
London Fashion Week’s 40th anniversary has reaffirmed its position as a leading fashion event worldwide, showcasing the best of British fashion and beyond. Stay tuned as we eagerly await the next chapter in this iconic fashion journey.
Check our London Fashion Week Calendar for all of the show dates and times.