During the Autumn/Winter 2025 London Fashion Week, Richard Quinn, a renowned British designer, turned heads with a dazzling display that revived a classic style nearly eight decades old. His show, set against a backdrop that mimicked a winter fairy tale, was held at The Lindley Hall within the Royal Horticultural Halls in southwest London. This venue transformed into a scene straight out of a vintage snow globe, complete with gently falling snow and glowing street lamps.
Quinn is celebrated for his unique approach to fashion, where he melds vintage elegance with modern flair. At 35 years old, he has consistently impressed the fashion community with his keen eye for design and his ability to reinvigorate classic styles for contemporary audiences. This season, he paid homage to Dior’s “new look” silhouette, a revolutionary style that debuted in the late 1940s and drastically altered women’s fashion with its emphasis on volume and femininity.
The fashion show was notable not just for its aesthetic but also for its inclusive casting. Among the models was 75-year-old Penelope Tree, a fashion icon whose career soared during the Swinging Sixties in London. Her presence on the runway highlighted Quinn’s commitment to diversity and his respect for the enduring influence of past fashion icons.
Quinn’s designs are known for their sophistication and lack of theatrics, focusing instead on clean silhouettes and striking details. This season, he pared back the usual flamboyance, opting for a palette of monochrome silks, deep velvets, and subtle yet intricate embellishments. However, he did not completely abandon his flair for the dramatic; large roses reminiscent of 1980s styles adorned several pieces, blending bold shoulder pads with tightly cinched waists to create a look that exuded confidence and delicate femininity simultaneously.
A standout element of the collection was Quinn’s bridal wear. Known for his skill in this area, Quinn’s bridal gowns are as sought after as those of Vivienne Westwood, one of Britain’s legendary designers. His wedding dresses showcased at the show were the epitome of timeless elegance, featuring long veils, sophisticated embellishments, and designs that perfectly blend the classic with the contemporary.
As the show concluded, the upbeat tune “Always On My Mind” by the Pet Shop Boys filled the air, underscoring the joyful and celebratory atmosphere Quinn aimed to convey with his collection. The front row was packed with celebrities, including Olympic runner Keely Hodgkinson and Anais Gallagher, daughter of Oasis star, along with aristocratic sisters Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia Spencer, all donning Richard Quinn’s designs.
Richard Quinn’s show was more than just a display of fashion; it was a celebration of style’s evolution and its cyclical nature, where old trends are reborn with new life. His ability to draw on historical influences while injecting them with modern sensibility makes his work stand out in the crowded world of fashion.
This event was not just about showcasing clothing; it was an artful expression of history, culture, and personal identity through fashion. Quinn’s show reminded everyone in attendance of the power of clothing not just to adorn but also to express and innovate. As attendees left the winter wonderland behind, they carried with them a sense of the wonder and excitement that only a truly spectacular fashion show can evoke.
Overall, Richard Quinn’s presentation at London Fashion Week was a significant event that highlighted his growth as a designer and his ability to influence the fashion industry. It confirmed his status as a designer who respects the past while boldly moving forward into the future, continually pushing the boundaries of what fashion can represent and achieve.
