Your guide to the hottest new(ish) LFW talent...
Of all the fashion capitals, London is known as the city that's best at breeding and supporting fresh, young talent.
From Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen, to Mary Katrantzou and Ashish, London has long been the birthplace of some of the most innovative and disruptive designers on the planet.
So as the SS19 LFW shows draw to a close, we thought we'd shine the light on seven of the most exciting London-based designers and brands you need on your fashion radar...
Nous Etudions
Sustainability is a hot topic at the moment, and unisex brand Nous Etudions - founded by Argentinian designer Romina Cardillo - puts it at the heart of the clothing. The brand works with sustainably sourced, vegan and ethically produced materials to create a fresh take on classic garms.
As ever, texture and colour was at the forefront of Nous Etudion’s SS19 capsule collection - called 'Creatures of the Universe' - which was created using innovative biotextiles in collaboration with Franco Nencini.
Price on Request
Croatian-based brand, Price on Request, was founded by Central Saint Martins (CSM) graduate Gala Marija Vrbanic in 2016. The bold designs often draw on aspects from different subcultures such as punk and goth, and the label tackles the issue of consumption by repurposing deadstock pieces from fellow Croatian brand, Xenia design.
But most interestingly of all is the brand's unique business approach (from which its name is derived); items become more expensive each time they're purchased, therefore the customers determine each items worth.
Aucarre
Founded by Greek twins (and CSM graduates) Eirini and Dimitra Skalidak, Athens-based brand Aucarre showed at LFW as part of Fashion Scout.
The theme for their SS19 show was Feminine Surrealism, and the result was a bright, romantic and most of all beautiful collection.
Yuhan Wang
Chinese-born designer (and CSM graduate) Yuhan Wang made her LFW debut this season after being championed by talent incubator Fashion East.
Wang's SS19 collection played with typically feminine fabrics such as satin, lace and sheer chiffon in pale, muted shades, resulting in a demure, ladylike and understatedly sexy vibe.
ASAI
London-born designer A Sai Ta launched his label, ASAI with the help of Fashion East in 2017.
A Sai Ta draws on his Vietnamese and Chinese heritage and British upbringing in his designs, reinterpreting classic Asian patterns, materials and silhouettes with a British twist. The result is lots of colour, interesting fabrics and (often) a touch of tongue-in-cheek humour.
Charlotte Knowles
Charlotte Knowles - which was founded in 2017 by CSM graduates Charlotte Knowles and her partner Alexandre Arsenault - is set to make its second LFW appearance following the success of their debut AW18 collection.
The designs play with aspects lingerie and swimwear, resulting in something fun, bold and sexy.
ART SCHOOL
Few brands live up to their name quite like London-based label Art School. Founders Eden Loweth and Tom Barrat (who met at a party), describe the brand as 'A non-binary queer-luxury fashion label.'
The result is a high-octane, glam collection of sequined gowns and silky slip dresses, modelled by Art School 'icon' and muse, former Playboy bunny Pippa Brookes... obvs.
