- Words Liam Cattermole
- Header Image Jorja Smith @ Fenben
As London Fashion Week comes to a close, we examine the crossover between music and fashion across the star-studded calendar.
After a schedule fuelled with anticipation and excitement, London Fashion Week’s AW23 showcase closed on Tuesday. Bradford-born, ex-Bottega director Daniel Lee amazed on his eagerly awaited Burberry debut, Moncler bought their immersive “The Art of Genius” event to Kensington’s Olympia and emerging designers like Saul Nash exhibited the country’s bright fashion future.
As we wave goodbye to the world’s ‘it’ guys and girlies, there’s much to reflect on beyond the high fashion flare. LFW’s most viral moments came thanks to the cohort of global musicians who descended on the capital over the four days. From Justin Bieber prancing around the Moncler show, Stormzy embracing Son Heun Min at Burberry, Jorja Smith walking for FEBEN and Ashnikko’s precarious outfit, musicians added a buzz that couldn’t be ignored.
Here are five of our favourite music meets fashion moments from LFW.
Mowalola Brings a Motley Crew of American Musicians
Nigerian-born fashion designer Mowalola Ogunlesi stunned LFW with her Big Apple-referencing bootleg graphics. From the ‘MoMA’ (Museum of Modern Art) to the Yankees, New York oozed from the looks, which were modelled by a few familiar faces. Genre-bulldozing icon Yves Tumor blessed the show in a full burgundy look that featured spiked headwear, wellington boots and a leather trench coat. Few artists personify the spirit of NYC better than Rico Nasty, who graced the walk wearing a yellow Yankees jacket and Mowalola’s forthcoming Timberland collaboration on feet.
JW Anderson Celebrates Scotland with Live Bagpipe Player
JW Anderson’s show drew inspiration from ground-breaking British choreographer Michael Clark. Celebrating his Aberdeen heritage, the performance kicked off with bagpipes blaring from The Roundhouse’s speaker system. Looking to the past as a means of moving forward, the collection referenced Britain’s rich cultural heritage with a helping hand from the Scottish instrument.
A Medley of Geniuses Share the Stage for Moncler Show
One of the biggest talking points of LFW was Moncler’s star-studded ‘Art of Genius’ show. Taking place at Kensignton’s Olympia venue, the event welcomed newly anointed Louis Vuitton Creative Director Pharrell Williams for his “Art of Terrain” capsule showcase. However, it was Alicia Keys who provided the most notable music moment, as she welcomed Little Simz and Cleo Sol to perform with her on stage.
Homegrown Household Names Witness Daniel Lee’s Burberry Debut
From Stormzy to Damon Albarn and Kano, the front row of Daniel Lee’s Burberry debut was packed with British subcultural trailblazers. Offering the country a route back to Cool Britannia, the collection reimagined heritage house codes with a Vivienne Westwood-esque verve. Gone are the days of beige trench coats; Daniel’s nova checks are brimming with bolshy punk vibrancy.
Jorja Smith Stuns in Twisted FEBEN look
FEBEN’s vision for hand-crafted luxury wear peaked at LFW when Jorja Smith marched down the runway in a beautifully twisted black dress. It was a welcomed return for the “Blue Lights” singer, as she waltzed through, looking battle-ready, to a DnB remix of “Glue” by Bicep.
