A whisper in the noise of fashion capitals, LFW FW25 took a more subdued approach this season. But even in its quiet confidence, the trends that emerged spoke volumes
London Fashion Week (LFW) has always been the rogue of the fashion circuit—a little rebellious, a little unpredictable, and often the birthplace of trends that don’t just walk but stomp their way onto the global stage. And yet, this season felt eerily subdued. Gone were the grand theatrics, replaced instead with a quieter confidence. Was it the economic climate? A shift in creative direction? Or perhaps a natural pendulum swing in an industry that thrives on extremes? Whatever the case, London still managed to keep its pulse on trends that either refuse to die or have been reborn into something new.
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Fringe, Evolved
The fringe obsession is still here. This once-unstoppable embellishment is no longer the scene-stealer it once was, but it’s not entirely gone either. Instead, it’s finding new forms—hemline grazers, statement sleeves, and subtle textural details rather than full-throttle movement. It’s less shake and more shift—a louder, more integrated take on fashion’s favorite kinetic trick.
Literally Wearable Art
The fashion-art love affair continues, but this time, it’s a full-fledged gallery takeover. Prints this season weren’t just abstract or illustrative—they were literal artworks. Think entire canvases draped across garments, a wearable exhibit of sorts. But as with any good collaboration, execution is key. Done right, it’s high culture. Done wrong, you’re a walking museum gift shop.
Plaid Behavior
Is there a more London-coded print than plaid? The fabric of punks, royals, school uniforms, and anarchists alike, plaid remains a quintessential symbol of individuality and rebellion. This season, its presence was undeniable—whether slashed and safety-pinned à la DIY grunge or tailored into power coats that exuded a subversive form of authority. It’s not new, but it’s never not relevant in London.
Skirting Around
It started with a bubble skirt. This season, skirts were big—literally. Voluminous, dramatic, and unapologetically bold, these skirts made it clear that quiet luxury is not the only mood fashion is embracing. Red carpet-worthy shapes were given streetwear sensibility, proving that sometimes, making a statement is simply a matter of proportion.
Hyper-feminine Lace
Lingerie as outerwear may not be in its full-fledged revival just yet, but lace is leading the way. Whether delicately draped, layered over unexpected textures, or cut into modern silhouettes, it’s proving that sensuality doesn’t always need to be sheer. Lace is more undone, more organic, and arguably more interesting.
Medieval Mood
Fashion takes cues from history, but this season’s medieval inclinations feel particularly timely. Chainmail, corsetry, cinched waists, and battle-ready embellishments suggest a world preparing for some kind of war. It’s a modern Joan of Arc fantasy—less costume, more armor for the times.
Brooch, Please
The brooch is back, and it’s doing what it does best—elevating an outfit with the smallest of gestures. Whether pinned onto a blazer, layered onto outerwear, or adding surrealist whimsy to an otherwise minimalist look, the brooch is proof that details matter. If an outfit feels like it’s missing something, this season’s answer is simple: add a brooch.
London Fashion Week FW25 may not have been the loudest in the lineup of global fashion capitals, but maybe that was the point in a creative outlook. Of course, these brand executives won’t love that. In an industry where excess often takes center stage, London chose a different route—one that’s more considered, more deliberate, and perhaps, more lasting. While trends may come and go, the art of dressing—quiet or otherwise—remains.
Photos: BORA AKSU, CONNOR IVES, BURBERRY, PAULINE DUJANCOURT, TOGA, SIMONE ROCHA, DI PETSA, DILARA FINDIKOGULO, MARK FAST, HUISHAN ZHANG, FEBEN, ASHISH, SINÉAD O’DWYER, EDELINE LEE, S.S. DALEY, STEFAN COOKE, TALIA BYRE, JAWARA ALLEYNE, and ROKSANDA
