London Fashion Week marked its 40 years of pushing the boundaries, and offering a platform for bold and diverse voices in the realm of fashion. This year’s edition was packed with a fresh lineup of South Asian labels alongside established global brands, putting Indian talent in the spotlight. Designers like Kanika Goyal, Harri, Aartivijay Gupta, and the collaboration between Rahul Mishra and Tod’s, made waves with their collections that blended tradition with contemporary aesthetics, offering a unique cultural exchange.
Aartivijay Gupta’s collection, “Postcard from Kashmir” at London Fashion Week SS25
Photo courtesy: Aartivijay Gupta
Aartivijay Gupta: A Postcard from Kashmir
Aartivijay Gupta’s debut at LFW SS25 brought the scenic beauty of Kashmir to the runway. Her collection, “Postcard from Kashmir,” was a vivid homage to the region’s natural landscape, with earthy hues representing Kashmir’s skies, valleys, and mountains. The collection featured menswear and womenswear, with pieces ranging from anti-fit blazers to flowy dresses, all in relaxed silhouettes. Held at St John’s Church, the show combined visual splendour with the soulful sounds of the tabla and sitar, offering an unforgettable sensory experience.
Harri’s collection at London Fashion Week SS25
Photo courtesy: Harri
Harri: Sculptural Surrealism
Kerala-born Harikrishnan Keezhathil Surendran Pillai, known as Harri, made his LFW debut with a captivating womenswear collection. Harri’s signature inflated silhouettes took centre stage, alongside latex pieces and dark, sculptural forms. Each piece was hand-patterned and crafted without machinery, highlighting Harri’s commitment to artisanal craftsmanship. The collection was a blend of surrealism and couture, with exaggerated shapes and textures creating a visually dynamic presentation.
Rahul Mishra x Tod’s collection at London Fashion Week SS25
Photo courtesy: Rahul Mishra and Tod
Rahul Mishra x Tod’s: A Fusion of Cultures
Indian couturier Rahul Mishra joined forces with Italian luxury brand Tod’s to create a capsule collection that showcased the richness of Indian craftsmanship. Unveiled at Tod’s Bond Street boutique, the collection featured Tod’s iconic pieces like the Gommino shoe and Di Bag, reimagined with intricate floral and animal motifs.
Hand-embroidered by Indian artisans, the collection was a seamless fusion of Italian elegance and Indian artistry, celebrating the skills of India’s master craftspeople.
Priya Ahluwalia’s “Home Sweet Home” collection at London Fashion Week SS25
Photo courtesy: Priya Ahluwalia
Priya Ahluwalia: Home Sweet Home
British-Nigerian-Indian designer Priya Ahluwalia drew inspiration from her multicultural roots in her SS25 collection titled “Home Sweet Home.” With prints evoking her grandparents’ wallpaper, the collection featured a rich mix of floral crochet, geometric patterns, and bold athletic-inspired silhouettes. The nostalgic collection celebrated the interplay between identity and heritage, with vibrant colours and eclectic materials bringing a personal touch to the runway.
Zero Tolerance’s “KARM” collection at London Fashion Week SS25
Photo courtesy: Zero Tolerance
Zero Tolerance: KARM
Making its LFW debut, Lucknow-based brand Zero Tolerance introduced its collection, “KARM,” focused on merging South Asian history with contemporary street culture. Known for its experimental use of khadi, the collection showcased tiger motifs, zip-up shirts, and sharp tailored suits, all rooted in sustainable fashion. Founder Prakhar Rao emphasised the importance of using fashion as a medium for storytelling, with the collection offering a fresh take on eco-conscious streetwear.
Kanika Goyal’s “Playfield” collection at London Fashion Week SS25
Photo courtesy: Kanika Goyal
Kanika Goyal: Playfield
For Kanika Goyal, the LFW SS25 runway became her personal “Playfield.” Her collection was a playful exploration of childhood nostalgia, featuring bold prints, deconstructed silhouettes, and vibrant colours. Known for her ‘calculated cool,’ Goyal’s designs embraced quirky patterns and exaggerated shapes, making a bold statement on the global stage.
London Fashion Week SS25 proved to be a milestone for Indian designers, celebrating their unique blend of tradition and innovation while showcasing the power of South Asian artistry on an international platform.
Text by Shalini Passi
Image Courtesy: Aartivijay Gupta, Harri, Rahul Mishra, Tod, Priya Ahluwalia, Zero Tolerance, and Kanika Goyal
Find out more about London Fashion Week: https://londonfashionweek.co.uk/
