London Fashion Week (LFW) has long been a crucible for innovation, offering a platform where emerging designers captivate global audiences with their fresh perspectives. The upcoming Autumn/Winter 2025 edition, scheduled from February 20th to 24th, continues this tradition by spotlighting a diverse array of new talents poised to shape the future of fashion.
Spotlight on Emerging Designers
This season, London Fashion Week welcomes emerging designers to the official schedule. Their inclusion underscores London Fashion Week’s commitment to nurturing fresh talent and providing a stage for innovative voices in fashion. Several emerging designers are set to present their collections, each bringing a unique narrative to the forefront.
Abigail Ajobi:
Abigail Ajobi is a London-based designer known for her luxury streetwear label. Abigail Ajobi, a graduate of the London College of Fashion, founded her brand in 2020, blending cultural narratives with sustainability. She uses deadstock fabrics to create limited-edition pieces, with part of the proceeds supporting charities related to each collection’s theme.
Her debut collection, Those Who Don't Hear... Must Feel, explored Black British identity and historical uprisings, incorporating tactical design elements and bold messaging. Recognised by WWD and Hunger Magazine, Ajobi has also been shortlisted for the BFC’s NEWGEN award. Beyond fashion, she DJs as King Jobi and teaches at the London College of Fashion.
Catwalk: Friday, 21st February, 2025, 3:00 PM. Watch online at https://londonfashionweek.co.uk/
Abigail Ajobi SS24, photography by KLAT Photography
Connor Ives AW22, credits: Acielle/StyleDuMonde
Conner Ives:
Conner Ives is an American designer known for his sustainable approach and reinterpretation of American archetypes. A Central Saint Martins graduate, he gained early recognition when Adwoa Aboah wore his design to the 2017 Met Gala, leading to a collaboration with Rihanna’s Fenty.
Launching his label in 2021, Ives focuses on upcycling, using deadstock fabrics to create signature patchwork T-shirt dresses. His collections, inspired by American identity, have been featured at the Met Museum and in major fashion publications. Committed to slow fashion, he produces one collection per year, prioritising thoughtful design over fast production.
Catwalk: Sunday, 23rd February, 2025, 5:00 PM. Watch online at https://londonfashionweek.co.uk/
Simone Rocha:
Simone Rocha is an Irish designer known for her romantic, feminine aesthetic with a modern edge. A Central Saint Martins graduate, she launched her eponymous label in 2010, blending historical references with contemporary tailoring, intricate embellishments, and voluminous silhouettes. Her designs, often featuring delicate lace, tulle, and pearl details, explore themes of heritage, femininity, and rebellion. Rocha's work is widely acclaimed, earning her collaborations with major brands and a loyal celebrity following.
Catwalk: Sunday, 23rd February, 2025, 4:00 PM. Watch online at https://londonfashionweek.co.uk/
Simone Rocha AW24, photography by Cris Fragkou
Paolo Carzana SS25, photography by Joseph Rigby
Paola Carzana:
Paolo Carzana is a Welsh fashion designer known for his sustainable approach to fashion. He founded his own label, focusing on using plant-based, recycled, and organic materials. His designs often explore themes of strength and fragility, incorporating natural dyes and handmade techniques. Carzana has been recognised for his work, receiving awards like the British Fashion Council's NEWGEN and being a finalist for the LVMH Prize in 2024. He has showcased his collections at London Fashion Week, where his emotionally driven, imaginative designs have received praise.
Catwalk: Sunday, 23rd February, 2025, 8:00 PM. Watch online at https://londonfashionweek.co.uk/
London Fashion Week February 2025 is set to be a dynamic convergence of tradition and innovation, where emerging designers bring fresh perspectives to the global stage, redefining the boundaries of fashion.
As these talents rise, they not only contribute to London’s reputation as a hub for creativity but also shape the future of the industry with bold storytelling, ethical practices, and groundbreaking designs. This season proves that fashion is more than just clothing; it’s a powerful medium for expression, identity, and change.