Fashion East Celebrates 25 Years and Showcases Fresh Talent at SS26

Fashion East is a staple of London Fashion Week, and its SS26 show on Friday at the Institute of Contemporary Art reaffirmed why London is famous for discovering new and exciting underground designers.

Founded by Lulu Kennedy, the non-profit Fashion East has been crucial in helping many now-famous designers – like Kim Jones, Craig Green, Simone Rocha, Martine Rose, Wales Bonner, and JW Anderson – begin their careers. To celebrate its history, Fashion East is hosting an exhibition called *Us Lot: 25 Years of Fashion East, powered by Nike* at the ICA’s lower gallery from September 20-21, showcasing its impact on the fashion world.

Beyond honoring fashion history, Fashion East is dedicated to discovering the next generation of designers. Their Spring/Summer 2026 show featured three exciting new talents.

This season’s designers were seriously cool! We got two fresh faces and one returning champ. First up was Jacek Gleba, a designer from Barcelona who went to Central Saint Martins – super talented. Then there was Mayhew, which is the brand by UK designer Louis Mayhew. And I was stoked to see Nuba back for a third season – Cameron Williams also went to CSM, so a lot of creative talent all around!

Mayhew’s show began with a collection that brilliantly reimagined classic designs. Staying true to the brand’s layered aesthetic, the pieces featured a mix of fabrics and a unique, almost collage-like construction. Different materials created visual interest, and details like paint splatters and bold accessories-including long beaded necklaces and textured bags-added an extra layer of sophistication.

Nuba’s new collection, inspired by Mayhew, was both polished and easy to wear. The designs featured a simple black and white color scheme and clearly showed the brand’s unique blend of African and London styles. The quality of the construction was also impressive, with each garment demonstrating careful attention to detail. The show ended with a particularly striking outfit: a large, feather-like jacket paired with sheer cream pants and beautifully woven shoes.

Jacek Gleba’s latest collection was full of energy and inspired by dance. His designs for Spring/Summer 2026 used soft, flowing materials that allowed for easy movement. The colors were subtle yet striking, and carefully placed cutouts added a modern and graceful feel. Ballet flats and flip-flops kept the looks practical and connected to everyday style, making the collection both innovative and easy to wear.

Scroll up to see the standout looks from the runway.

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2025-09-20 10:56