Even in today’s pandemic-stricken times, fashion week survives, thanks to its ability to give us magic even in times of chaos. And of all the fashion weeks, London is known to be the most avant-garde, with many up-and-coming designers pushing the envelope of creativity in fashion. Another case in point? LFW officially becoming a gender-neutral event. Officially announced last year, chief executive of the British Fashion Council (BFC), Caroline Rush states, “Moving London Fashion Week Men’s into LFW in February will continue to de-gender [the event], allow designers greater flexibility to consider what collection they show when and minimise travel requirements, taking us one step closer to a more sustainable future.”

For a much needed dose of frivolous fun, check all the best weird and wonderful moments of London Fashion Week.

Fluid Beauty at Harris Reed’s LFW Debut

If you’re unfamiliar with the designer, you may recall a certain Victorian-era suit made for Harry Styles on a recent fashion cover shoot. Continuing on with this theme of subverting gendered expectations with the fusion of traditional menswear with tulle confections, is Reed’s LFW debut. The 24-year-old Central Saint Martins graduate presented six ‘demi-couture looks’ of voluminous, fantastic gowns handmade by the designer himself, in both new and upcycled textiles modelled on the same person. The result? A glorious assemblage of opulence and inclusivity.

Runway Debuts - UK Babes

Drag Queens Bimini and A’Whora made their runway debut at Art School London. “Walking for London fashion week as Bimini is a dream come true. Not only if this collection so stunning and celebratory of queer bodies but Art School are pushing an important message on sustainability in fashion and reconstituting materials that already exist! They upcycle existing fabrics to avoid adding to waste in the industry!” Bimini said in an instagram caption.

A punk fantasy at Vivienne Westwood

The FW 2021 collection from Vivienne Westwood took inspiration from the rococo painting Daphnis and Chloe by the French artist François Boucher, combined with Westwood’s signature tailoring and subversive drape. Repurposing was also a key element, with more than ninety percent of the materials made with a reduced impact on the environment, including a newly-sourced recycled denim, whereupon upcycling deadstock something the designer has long done throughout her oeuvre.