Key Trends from London Fashion Week 2026

From fantasy to fashion, this urge for storytelling translates into folklore.

As explored in our Folk Redux report, where we identified how Britain’s local lores are being revisited and remixed, modern British identity was reimagined by many designers this season.

: Designers Angus Cockram and George Oxby, founders of Agro Studio, made their debut this fashion week, with The Wanderer collection. Drawing on English folklore through turn-of-the-century theatrical interpretations of myth, this was brought to life by a grunge-style set and a live cello performance by Kristina Rhodes. 

: Simone Rocha’s collection reimagined themes from Irish mythology, telling the story of a boy and a woman as they move to Tír na nÓg – Land of the Young. The second act shows equestrian themes translated into modern sporty codes. Inspiration was also taken from Perry Ogden’s 1999 book Pony Kids, which documents youths from outer Dublin trading ponies at horse fairs. 

Discover how to become a storytelling leader through our Trad Love piece

Reimaging Play

Play arose as a key theme, echoing analysis from our Kidult Craze report, where nostalgic non-digital items are helping consumers reconnect with their inner child.

: Making her seasonal debut, bag designer Clara Chu referenced everyday household items such as calculators and rubber gloves. ‘Upcycling materials in unexpected ways while being able to incorporate functional features gave bags their unique identity,’ said Daisy Kennedy, a designer and pattern cutter assisting Clara Chu with her London Fashion Week AW26 collection. ‘Each material used was a different offcut, newfound object or dead stock fabric.’ Set against a colourful pop-art backdrop, the playful showcase featured models enjoying nostalgic sweets such as strawberry laces – showcasing how Food & Drink is increasingly serving as a form of indulgence and escapism.

‘Where fashion that has a main focus on aesthetics tends to be overvalued, the most valuable designs in garments and accessories come from technical and well-constructed standpoints – ones that are authentic and tell a story’ 

Daisy Kennedy, designer and pattern cutter, assisting Clara Chu with her London Fashion Week AW26 collection

: A new cohort of the quintessential British cool girl emerged at Sinead Gorey. The collection featured slogan t-shirts reading ‘I love Desperados’ – part of the brand’s collaboration with alcoholic beverage brand Desperados. Gorey dubbed the drink ‘the unofficial accessory of a Friday night’ and bottles hung from models’ waists.

This exploration of teenage rebellion echoed analysis from our Gen Z Wellness Rebellion report, where young people are choosing joy over discipline.

Spark creativity in your brand by exploring our Kidult Craze report