From groundbreaking florals to fluorescent hues, stylist Corina Gaffey scopes out the trends and takeaways to know from London's spring/summer 2026 collections.
With renewed energy, thanks to newly appointed CEO of the British Fashion Council Laura Weir, London Fashion Week buzzed on and off the catwalk. Irish designer Paul Costelloe kicked off the first day of fashion week with a 60s-tinged show and an equally fun playlist, setting the tone for an enjoyable and optimistic fashion week. Simone Rocha showcased a beautiful show on Sunday, featuring a parade of models gripping pillows. And on Monday night, Burberry closed London Fashion Week with a headline show, which took British music as its muse and featured an equally star-studded front row. Against the lively, fun backdrop, here are some key trends that emerged.
Rainbow Bright
Forget quiet luxury, for spring 2026, designers embraced bright, bold hues. Mood-boosting shades of scarlet and sunshine yellow were layered head-to-toe at Tove and Bora Aksu. At Toga, the Japanese-born brand, showcased cool-girl colours, blending bold blocks of colour with prints.
Cobalt Blue
There was so much bright blue on the London Fashion Week runway that it deserves its own trend. Tailoring was given fresh energy at Tove and Edeline Lee, where clean-lined pieces were crafted in bold cobalt hues. Designers like Roksanda, Emilia Wickstead, and Dujancourt gave the statement colour a softer twist, embracing romantic silhouettes.
Shape-Shifter
From bustles to balloons to barrels, pumped-up volume and architectural designs filled the runways at London Fashion Week. Designers like Paul Costelloe and Erdem played with exaggerated silhouettes, proportions, and structure. Extreme volume on the hips was the most striking silhouette play, with designers such as Simone Rocha, Erdem, and Toga adding inches through lace and silk designs.
Highlighter Hues
If rainbow hues aren’t bright or bold enough for you, the spring 2026 runways are touting neons as the standout shades to embrace. Electric shades of lime, neon yellow, and hot pink were infused, mainly into eveningwear at Simone Rocha, Ahluwalia, and Erdem, giving nighttime dressing a fluorescent twist. Burberry combined several neon shades, transforming them into check sequin dresses and, of course, trench coats.
Fringe
Swaying with every step, Burberry showcased swinging fringed jackets that added a rock ‘n’ roll edge to the buttery leather jackets. At Edeline Lee, thick layers of thread transformed classic silhouettes into a dynamic runway moment. While at Mark Fast, fringing finished off his signature crochet-knitted styles, giving them a seventies feel.
Goth Girl Spring
If florals, brights and all things springy aren’t your thing, don’t worry, as black is back for the warmer months with a little gothic-romantic twist. Dark romance styles featuring corsets, lace, and sheer fabrics were spotted at Bora Aksu, Chopova Lowena, Dujancourt, and Erdem.
Swinging 60s
When Paul Costelloe opened London Fashion Week, models hit the runway with blue eyeshadow, fluttery lashes, and bouffant hair, to a soundtrack straight out of the sixties. The collection, inspired by Sharon Tate, featured sweet-hued pastel mini and bubble-hem dresses. The stylish decade also inspired designs at Rixo and Ahluwalia, while Burberry showcased mod-ish tailoring and Woodstock-worthy crochet dresses.
Pillow Talk
Simone Rocha’s gorgeous show was dreamy in more ways than one, turning the runway into a slumber party; models walked the runway clutching pillows. Rocha’s signature ruffled and sheer fabric dress added to the whimsical vibe. But it wasn’t just the Irish designer who embraced boudoir-inspired designs; Erdem also showcased stylish PJs-style co-ords and silky robe-coats that are too stylish for the bedroom alone.
Groundbreaking Florals
It wouldn’t be spring without a mention of a particular print – floral, but for spring 2026, designers took the pretty print into fresh directions. At Patrick McDowell and Simone Rocha, single-stemmed flowers were etched or painted onto dresses, giving them an artistic feel. While Rocha also used bunches of blooms in a 3D effect on the lapels of the coat and on dresses, adding texture and playfulness.
Photography by Catwalkpix.
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