King Charles’ Appearance at London Fashion Week 2026
King Charles made a notable appearance at the fall/winter 2026 show of British-Nigerian designer Tolu Coker during London Fashion Week. This event captured significant media attention, especially as it occurred just hours after the arrest of his brother, Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The former prince was detained and questioned over allegations that he sent confidential government information to Jeffrey Epstein, the late American financier and child sex offender.
Epstein’s connections to royalty, fashion, and celebrities were widely discussed in London during the weekend. Recent documents revealed his close ties to figures such as British top model Naomi Campbell. These revelations added a layer of intrigue to the fashion week, though they did not overshadow the shows entirely.
London Fashion Week continues to be a platform for both established brands and emerging designers. With its global outlook and support for young talent, the event showcases a blend of creativity and innovation. Established names like Erdem and Simone Rocha compete with up-and-coming designers who are unafraid to push boundaries on the runway.
Erdem’s Fall/Winter 2026 Collection
Erdem Moralıoğlu, one of London’s success stories, has built a loyal following among women who appreciate beauty and chic style. His romantic vision, infused with historicism and glamour, has remained relevant through the seasons. The brand’s fall/winter 2026 show, held at Tate Britain, marked its 20th anniversary.
Each seat was adorned with a scrapbook featuring images of previous show inspirations, including Maria Callas’ Medea, Queen Elizabeth, and the Duchess Deborah Devonshire. The collection, titled “The Imaginary Conversation,” paid homage to the imaginary exchanges Erdem has had with these women over the past two decades.
While the show included looks that pleased Erdem’s fan base, it also featured pieces that challenged his traditional aesthetic. A black leather dress with pink floral appliques, a cropped bodice paired with stonewashed boyfriend jeans, and a stunning pleated halter top worn with a matching balloon skirt stood out as highlights.
Textures, fringed knitwear, tweed tailoring with exposed lining, and outerwear from Erdem’s collaboration with Barbour completed the collection. These unexpected twists demonstrated how a confident designer can expand their repertoire while staying true to their vision.
Simone Rocha’s Fall/Winter 2026 Collection
Simone Rocha drew inspiration from her Irish heritage for her fall/winter 2026 collection. The invitation to the show featured a photo from the “Pony Kids” book by British photographer Perry Ogden. The pony kids, children who rode horses in Dublin, inspired the youthful spirit of the collection.
The show notes referenced “Tir na nOg,” a supernatural legend from Celtic mythology. While Rocha’s signature elements—lace, ribbons, and pearls—dominated the lineup, the collection avoided being overly precious or saccharine. A bomber jacket paired with crystal-embellished leggings and military-inspired shearling coats balanced the pretty vibe.
Rocha also unveiled a series of “hybrid pieces” in collaboration with Adidas. Her interpretation of the brand’s three stripes incorporated materials like silk ribbons and pearls, resulting in trainers that are expected to sell out quickly.
A series of grommeted dresses and separates towards the end of the show highlighted Rocha’s ability to infuse a hint of perversion into her sweet aesthetic, a formula that has contributed to the success of her label.
Chet Lo’s Hong Kong Night Market Experience
Chinese-American designer Chet Lo, known for his “spiky” knitwear, recreated a Hong Kong night market at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park to showcase his latest range. Stalls selling fashion, jewelry, candles, and artworks surrounded the carpeted runway, while laminated picture menus similar to those of Chinese restaurants were placed on each seat.
The collection, which included 13 looks, delivered signature merino wool spiked outfits, some embellished with feathers. Nods to Asian culture included parasols, a neon-inspired color palette, and shiny silk materials. For the show, Lo partnered with the Asian People’s Disability Alliance to raise awareness about disability justice.
London Fashion Week continues to be a vibrant celebration of creativity and cultural exchange, highlighting the diverse talents that contribute to the global fashion landscape.
