London Fashion Week (LFW) is a hub of creativity. Here, designers push the boundaries of style The last 10 years have brought some unmissable moments. We’ve seen groundbreaking collections, political statements, and jaw-dropping runway displays. Here, we take a look at some of the most iconic moments of London Fashion Week in the last decade.
1. Burberry’s Return to London (2018)
Having not been in Milan for some years, Burberry made a successful return to London Fashion Week under the reins of Riccardo Tisci. His first collection, Kingdom, was an empowering blend of heritage and futurism in tribute to the diversity of Britain. The collection was also deserving of praise when it came to diversity of models of different backgrounds, ages, and sizes, reflecting a more progressive fashion world. To commemorate the day, the company unveiled a new redesign of its monogram, which caught immediate fever on social media. It was such a visually impactful moment that people used a GIF creator to capture the highlight points, from the fashion-forward trench coats to the racy streetwear accents.
2. Vivienne Westwood’s Protest Runway (2019)
The late Dame Vivienne Westwood was acquainted with using fashion as activism, and her show in 2019 at LFW was not an exception. The models strided down the catwalk spouting spoken-word poetry and threat warnings of climate change to render it the most politicised of recent seasons. Westwood herself emerged, dressed in a regal attire, summoning the people to take action on climate injustice. The show was not just fashion—it was a call to the masses, reminding the fashion world that sustainability is no longer an option.
3. Jaws Dropped at Richard Quinn’s Queen-Endorsed Show (2018)
Few places in LFW history will be able to compare with the sheer surprise of the time Queen Elizabeth II attended Richard Quinn’s show way back in 2018.
The Queen sat in the front row next to Anna Wintour. She presented Richard Quinn with the first-ever Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. His creations showcased bold floral patterns, lavish headscarves, and full figures. This revolutionary style earned royal approval. The Queen’s surprise visit made an already awaited show a historic fashion moment that we’ll remember forever.
4. The Age of Digital Fashion Takes Off (2020-2021)
The pandemic forced LFW to change, and what came out was a revolutionary shift towards digital fashion shows. In 2020 and 2021, designers such as Matty Bovan, Erdem, and Burberry utilised technology, using virtual catwalks, CGI models, and short films to showcase their collections. For fashion enthusiasts around the globe, this era of digital fashion was all about discovering new ways of engaging with content. The industry showed that creativity can thrive, even in tough times. They used GIF makers, recycled bold images, and engaged with interactive online experiences.
5. Harris Reed’s Gender-Fluid Revolution (2021)
Harris Reed is one of London’s most exciting designers. They are known for their stunning, gender-nonconforming designs. Their 2021 show combined history with modern statements. It featured oversized hats, rich ruffles, and a strong focus on non-binary fashion. Reed’s work has won over celebrities like Harry Styles. Their LFW debut really confirmed their status as a strong player in the industry. Their show was a celebration of self-expression, proving that fashion can be both political and deeply personal.
6. Coperni’s Spray-On Dress Stuns the Fashion World (2022)
Though Coperni is a Paris brand, its spray-on dress moment during LFW 2022 viral coverage cannot be undermined. Its smart use of technology grabbed global attention. Liquid polymer was sprayed on Bella Hadid to make a dress in real-time. This was a moment that blurred the lines of science, art, and fashion, proving that the industry is never static. The sheer spectacle of it all was so engrossing that fans continued to use a gif maker to capture and share the stunning transformation.
7. Charles Jeffrey Loverboy’s Theatrical Chaos (2023)
If anyone can turn a catwalk into a proper performance, it’s Charles Jeffrey. His 2023 LFW show was a riot of colour, punk attitude, and utter madness. Models walked the catwalk in bold silhouettes, striking makeup, and wild styling. It felt more like a performance art piece than a usual catwalk show. Jeffrey’s ability to merge art, music, and fashion in an experiential spectacle has made his shows ones that cannot be avoided during LFW. The 2023 show, in particular, was a fierce yet beautiful ode to self-expression.
8. JW Anderson’s Pigeon Clutch Takes Flight (2022)
It was JW Anderson who transformed a pigeon into the most talked-about accessory of the season. In 2022, the designer introduced a hyper-realistic pigeon clutch bag, which went viral overnight. Stars, celebrities, and fashion lovers all embraced the fun accessory. It shows that high fashion and humour can mix well. Anderson’s LFW shows are often playful. This one made a surprising statement about the clash of pop culture and fashion.
London Fashion Week has continued to deliver some of the most compelling and provocative moments in the industry. The last ten years have revealed British fashion’s endless creativity. This came through activism, technology, and amazing displays. As we look to the future, one thing is certain—London will continue to be a global capital for daring and unforgettable style. With the globe online, fans can quickly relive those moments using a GIF creator. The power of LFW will keep growing.