LCFMA22 Exhibition, Catwalk and Showroom at London Fashion Week

The conventions of fashion design were challenged by the array of colours, fabrications and silhouette experimented with by each designer sharing their unique interpretation of the modern zeitgeist. Although aesthetically opposed, all designs were collectivised by their focus on societal issues (spanning from digitisation and climate change to diversity and genderism). Thus within a single show, a glimpse of the world through twenty-two individual lenses was offered to the audience. The essence of limitless creativity encouraged and breadth of opportunities for self-expression granted by LCF was thus captured by its wide-ranging curation.

Prior to the evening’s runway show, attendees were greeted by an open display of both BA and MA level students final work. The empty basement of Victoria House was, for two days, converted into an exhibition of physical and digital artistry showcasing graduating work across LCF’s School of Design and Technology, School of Media and Communication and Fashion Business School. Plain white walls were enlivened by emotive imagery, podiums with unique artefacts, mannequins with garments and spaces with immersive digital technologies. A glimpse of the creative practises conducted behind the scenes of London College of Fashion was offered; intending to educate and inspire those visiting.

Joining in London’s #CityWideCelebraion on Saturday 19 February, the doors of the LCFMA22 showcase were opened for public viewing and the runway converted into a display of brand-new selections of MA Womenswear and MA Menswear collections. Each designer presented themselves and their work before a diverse audience: welcoming appreciation and admiration for their talent. A 360-degree overview of select looks were shared by models walking through open spaces and standing upon a turning platform, enticing further intrigue.

Walking through the exhibition broadened one’s perspective of design as an outlet for self-expression and societal interpretation. Zero-waste consumption (with biomaterial accessories and zero-waste pattern cut fabrics), digitisation (with neoprene fabrics and immersive technologies) and inclusivity were conversations intentionally provoked by the showcases many facets. A buzzing atmosphere filled the Victoria House Basement across the 3 days as a community celebrated boundaryless creativity and fearless expression. The LCFMA22 showcase, therefore, served a beneficial role in educating students, professionals, industry insiders and outsiders about the contribution of the arts towards a progressive world.