Ancuța Sarca’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, presented at London Fashion Week, plunged attendees into a world where the mundane corporate grind collides with the rebellious spirit of 1960s counterculture. With the soft hum of keyboard clicks and fluorescent lights setting the tone, Sarca drew inspiration from the everyday uniform of modern city life—dark suits, monochrome tracksuits, and comfortable shoes like Crocs and Clarks Wallabees. But true to form, Sarca injected her signature juxtaposition into the collection, fusing corporate minimalism with the wild energy of animal prints and bold textures. Photography by Francesco Zinno Her designs are an imaginative blend of high-concept and wearable, with sportswear silhouettes transformed by upcycled materials like snakeskin high-heeled pumps and oversized leopard print boots—both anchored in masculine shirt collars and sportswear stripes. Sarca’s exploration of gender roles continues with menswear, featuring reworked loafers with velcro fastenings and sleek faux snakeskin detailing. The collection’s highlight was Sarca's partnerships with iconic footwear brands Crocs and Clarks. The collaboration with Clarks reimagined the classic Wallabees using deadstock shoes, marrying heritage style with sustainability in a bold new vision. Crocs, known for their quirky comfort, were deconstructed and transformed using experimental electrostatic flocking techniques, creating hybrid designs that merge practicality with avant-garde aesthetics. Ancuța Sarca’s SS25 collection was an ode to duality—everyday functionality clashed with creative rebellion, a fusion of eras that questioned and celebrated the roles we embody in modern life. Through her reimagined footwear and bold designs, Sarca once again proved her mastery at turning the expected into something thrillingly unexpected.

All eyes were on Consistence’s highly anticipated London debut, featuring their womenswear collection, “Useless but Fabulous.” Founded in 2015 by designer duo Tien Lu and FangFang, the brand infused their menswear expertise into a collection that seamlessly blends intricate craftsmanship with a bold, contemporary edge. Known for their imaginative take on tailoring, Consistence pushed the boundaries once again, showcasing structured suits and trench coats with horsehair canvas—a material typically used internally—boldly displayed on the outside. This unexpected twist has become a hallmark of the brand’s innovative approach. Curated by Hu Bing, China’s trailblazing male supermodel and London Fashion Week’s International Ambassador, the show was a part of a newly established recurring feature, highlighting Hu’s sharp eye for emerging talent and boundary-pushing fashion. But it wasn’t just the craftsmanship that made a statement. Consistence also spotlighted their commitment to sustainability by repurposing fabric scraps from past collections into accessories like headscarves and gloves, an approach that feels especially relevant in today’s industry. Standout pieces were crafted from Scabal’s Treasure Box materials, including luxurious 24-carat gold-infused fabric and vibrant neon wool—difficult hues to achieve but expertly handled here, cementing Consistence’s reputation as both innovative and forward-thinking.

Mark Fast is well-known for his ability to mix couture with streetwear. His Spring/Summer 2025 runway show in London was no different - a complete masterclass on making the couture look undeniably cool. The show felt like an ode to underground music, with every piece radiating an electrifying energy which could be felt across the room, it was like every piece was trying to convey a different beat or sound, while taking classic silhouettes and pushing them into unexpected bold territories. Photography by Iker Aldama Take the stone-washed denim, for example. It wasn’t your usual streetwear staple—it had an elevated edge, styled to feel both aspirational and functional. And those bandage dresses? They came in everything from muted neutrals to neon brights, balancing elegance with an undeniable attitude. One standout was the Stone Rose Crochet Dress, fringed at the hips and perfectly capturing Fast’s knack for intricate design with modern flair. But what truly defines Mark Fast is his signature knitwear. His technical precision and creative vision were on full display this season, from open-knit weaves to body-hugging, sculpted silhouettes. Fast, who studied at Central Saint Martins and completed his MA in 2008, has always pushed the boundaries of knitwear technology. He’s known for blending lycra with luxury textiles, and this collection was no exception, featuring knit pieces that felt as much like sculpture as clothing. Each piece is knitted by hand on domestic machines, forming to the body as it’s created—a process that makes his knitwear feel both sensual and experimental. This season also saw the brand playing with sportswear-inspired elements, like elastic mesh and wind-resistant layers, but in true Fast style, they were fused seamlessly with the precision and luxury of demi-couture. The mix of performance fabrics and couture techniques made the collection both bold and functional, with each piece offering a statement in its own right. The color palette ranged from black and stone grey to soft lilacs and vivid neons, capturing that rebellious, individualistic spirit that defines Fast’s work. It’s the kind of luxury-meets-sportswear chic that the brand is known for, making Fast a favorite among strong, powerful women, as well as a younger audience drawn to his embrace of youth culture. His designs have something for everyone, blending comfort with couture in a way that feels accessible yet aspirational.

Noon by Noor is a minimalistic womenswear brand established in 2008 by Bahraini cousins Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa, the label blends clean, modern lines with just enough Middle Eastern inspiration to give it a unique twist. Their pieces have this quiet elegance—think luxe fabrics, sharp tailoring, and subtle details that feel both effortless and powerful. The Spring/Summer 2025 collection is no different. The presentation opened with two all-white looks in linen and cotton, blending traditional tailoring with sleek, modern cuts and creating unique silhouettes. Photography by Ben Montgomery. Organza, light floral prints and ruffles spilled into the next outfits. The panelling work alongside the light shimmer delivered an intricate sensation of lightness and filled the room with the feeling of Spring.

Patrick McDowell’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, unveiled at London’s Guildhall School of Music & Drama, drew inspiration from the life and work of British queer artist Glyn Philpot, exploring themes of duality, identity, and artistry. The collection, rather than serving as a tribute, uses Philpot’s experience of navigating both society’s expectations and his queer identity as a creative lens. McDowell dove into Philpot’s world by exploring letters from the Tate archives and connecting with his remaining relatives, embedding an authenticity and personal narrative into the designs. The result is a collection that seamlessly bridges fashion, art, and culture, reflecting the dual existence that many queer individuals face. The immersive runway show, held in collaboration with the Guildhall School, was more than just a presentation of fashion—it was an artistic experience, featuring live performances from emerging classical musicians that brought a dramatic, operatic energy. Just as Philpot’s art captured the essence of performance, McDowell’s show celebrated this interplay between fashion and the performing arts. Silhouettes were directly influenced by Philpot’s artwork, with painterly prints, floral motifs, and trompe l’oeil details adorning garments crafted from biodegradable TENCEL™ fibres. The colour palette, soft and nuanced, mirrored the emotional depth of Philpot’s pieces, while modern, sustainable textiles gave them a contemporary edge. The final looks featured a well-fitted black bodysuit, with an organza wrap around like a scarf piece which extends into a beautiful train, and a metallic voluminous evening gown covered in black organza.

The Venice Film Festival, a glorious confluence of cinematic achievement and high-octane glamour, is as much about fashion as it is about film. Each year, as the world’s finest auteurs gather to showcase their latest work, celebrities transform the red carpet into a veritable runway, with every look meticulously calculated to make a statement. This year is no exception. From the couture gowns to the avant-garde choices that dared to challenge tradition, the festival saw stars embracing boldness, elegance, and the occasional risk that, for better or worse, has everyone talking. It's all about spectacle—fashion as an art form, a headline-maker, a cultural moment—and nowhere is that more apparent than at the Venice Film Festival. Angelina Jolie in a custom Tamara Ralph gown Lady Gaga in Christian Dior Couture Sydney Sweeney Nicole Kidman in Schiaparelli Rose Bertram Jasmine Tookes Juliana Xerez Taylor Russell in Loewe Maria Borges Amy Ryan in Alexis Mabille Isabelle Huppert Tilda Swinton in Alaia AW24 Valentina Hites Drew Starkey in Loewe Emma Corrin and Rami Malek Lili Reinhart in Armani Prive Cate Blanchett