Sunday 17th September 2023 marked a pivotal date for a cadre of burgeoning designers who saw their work showcased at The W Fashion Week 2023, setting the fashion industry ablaze with their fresh talent and innovative visions.
Hosted by The W and its editor-in-chief Phadria Antoinette Prendergast who donned head-to-toe Jaded London, at the Royal Lancaster London Hotel, over five hundred attendees – among them our esteemed friends from the fashion press, buyers from global leading retailers and the general public – gathered to celebrate the emergence of a new generation of fashion designers from the city. Guests in attendance also included professional boxer Richard Riakporhe, actress Andrea Vasiliou, musician Paloma Lomax, TV personality Amber Diamond, TikTok content creator Victor Alfred, as well as influencers Karine Lawal, Yumna Sarah and Ella Wilkins.
The day was nothing short of action-packed as eighteen new and emerging brands walked the runway: MYCASHMERE, Soho Wardrobe, The Taylor Clothing, Ama Thea The Label, GEHLAN, Anonymous, Basketball Nxtion, Carnaby London, Gina Kas, Lisou, Nutrii Fitness, Everyday Fit, Upsycle, Dabati, Micheal Ekeade, Bouqui Glamhouse, Stephanie Jade and Toni Silva.
The theme that emerged from the rest of London Fashion Week can be characterised by a playful collision of prints, colour and texture, and The W Fashion Week delivered this in style. The W’s catwalk flaunted an eclectic melange of athleisure, menswear and womenswear. Between the distinctive bold prints presented by Lisou and the size-inclusive sportswear from Nutriifitness, there was truly something for everyone to enjoy. As models walked to musical performances from English artists CEO CHXSE and 5IVE RINGS, the show was a fashion extravaganza to remember.
Behind the seamless execution of The W Fashion Week was a bustling backstage scene, driven by the hard work of a dedicated workforce. Models, designers, managers, runners, publicists, musicians, photographers, stylists and makeup artists all collaborated harmoniously to bring the runway to life.
Disrupting the dull homogeneity that sometimes plagues the fashion runway, the spotlighted designers have crafted remarkable collections that The W Fashion Week duly recognised and platformed. In line with its mission to open doors and create opportunities within an otherwise exclusive fashion industry, at the heart of The W Fashion Week was a commitment to amplify the profile of underrepresented voices redefining style and creativity.
As we eagerly anticipate the rising stars that The W will introduce for London Fashion Week 2024, we certainly have a promising glimpse of the next leaders and creatives to watch out for in the fashion scene.
