London Fashion Week (LFW) kicks off today for the Fall/Winter 2026 season, with a larger schedule and a steady sense of momentum, as organizer the British Fashion Council (BFC) focuses on rebuilding scale and international visibility.
“This season is about momentum and confidence,” says BFC CEO Laura Weir of the second LFW under her leadership. The official schedule features 90 designers and organizations — including 41 runway shows and 20 presentations — marking an 11% year-on-year increase in brand presence, while confirmed press attendance is up 36% and buyers up 17%, according to the BFC.
The expanded size will be felt from day one. Thursday’s kick-off, traditionally a lighter prelude to the week reserved for evening events, opens with a full slate of presentations and shows, signaling London’s efforts to rebuild density. The BFC has once again waived fees to “reduce barriers to entry”, according to Weir, and has doubled its investment in its international guest program as it works to bring international attention back to the British capital.
The wider ecosystem is also broadening. A new designer showcase at 180 Strand will sit within the BFC’s hub for those who have previously taken part in its NewGen incubation program, featuring 11 designers including Ahluwalia, Aaron Esh, and Nicholas Daley. The showcase aims to “create stronger connections between emerging talent, press, and buyers”, says Weir. Retail and cultural activations will also run alongside shows, from Selfridges’s in-store LFW edit and a Dover Street Market pop-up featuring jewelry from the BFC Foundation and member brands, to an H&M Studio townhouse takeover and an event by BFC patrons Topshop and John Lewis, hosted at Piccadilly Lights.
Familiar names such as Erdem, Simone Rocha and Richard Quinn remain fixtures, all showing on Sunday, while several brands make their return to the schedule. Burberry, as usual, will close LFW on Monday evening. Joseph is back on the runway on Friday for the first time in almost a decade — its first show since hiring creative director Mario Arena in November 2024. Chet Lo returns on Saturday after taking a break last season to host a dinner. Also on Saturday, Masha Popova, Julien Macdonald and Karoline Vitto return to LFW, while on Monday, Marques Almeida is showing.
As ever, emerging talent remains central to London’s identity. This season’s London-based newcomers include minimalist womenswear label Selasi; women’s tailoring brand Liberowe; and contemporary designer Yuhan Ao, who draws inspiration from growing up with a grandmother who worked in a linen textile factory in China. Indian luxury brand Raw Mango — known for its saris and lehengas — is also joining the schedule. Also among the newcomers are younger, experimental voices including Leo Prothmann (who showed off-schedule last season and is known for leatherwork), accessories label Clara Chu, and bespoke eveningwear brand Agro Studio.
“There’s a sense of excitement for sure. I’m particularly looking forward to London Fashion Week for a few reasons, including the Central Saint Martins show, which only takes place during February’s fashion week,” says Brigitte Chartrand, chief buying and merchandising officer at Net-a-Porter, highlighting Erdem and Simone Rocha as other key highlights.
Beyond the runway, evening programming spans dinners from JW Anderson, Labrum London, Di Petsa, the BFC in partnership with the British Film Institute (ahead of the Baftas on Sunday), and more. Knwls — which showed in Milan last season — is hosting a pop-up for its community, while David Koma is hosting a cocktail event.
“London has always shaped the cultural conversation,” says Weir. “By bringing a wider and more influential range of international voices to the city, we’re ensuring that London Fashion Week’s global impact continues to grow both commercially and culturally.”
#London #Fashion #Week #Cheat #Sheet #FallWinter
