Supermodel Naomi Campbell opened Richard Quinn’s spring/summer 2026 show at London Fashion Week, marking a moment of both spectacle and refinement for the British designer’s evolving brand. Campbell’s striking entrance in a black velvet column gown featuring a sculptural white collar and a single camellia pinned at the chest set a poised, dramatic tone for the collection, which balanced Quinn’s flair for theatrical eveningwear with an emerging emphasis on coherence and wearability.

Known for his bold prints and daring silhouettes, Quinn maintained his signature style with sweeping ball gowns, velvet cocktail dresses, and off-the-shoulder looks. Central to the collection was the recurring motif of the rosette, pinned at necklines or adorning giant bows, offering a unifying detail throughout the runway. The carefully calibrated colour palette was notable for a spring/summer season, contrasting deep blacks and reds in the first half with softer blues, lilacs, and creams later on. This thoughtful use of colour, combined with the live orchestral accompaniment and a floral-themed set at Smith Square Hall, underscored the collection’s balance of drama and elegance without tipping into mere spectacle. Long black gloves punctuated many creations, lending a mid-century couture sensibility.

While Quinn’s more extravagant pieces—such as a gold-embroidered nude gown with a tulle hem and a dramatic scarlet bodice paired with black tulle panels—underscored his mastery of construction and movement, questions persisted about the wearability of these bold designs outside high-profile events. Historically catering to special occasions rather than everyday wear, Quinn’s latest collection hinted at potential growth in his bridal line, signalling a strategic bid to extend his brand’s appeal. Ivory fabrics, sweeping skirts, and illusion panels echoed bridalwear codes, suggesting future offerings that could translate his dramatic aesthetic into a market where spectacle is expected and appreciated.

The decision to open with Naomi Campbell was a calculated nod to British fashion’s storied history, aligning Quinn with respected figures while emphasizing his rising influence. The presence of notable attendees such as footballer Lucy Bronze and singer Mimi Webb alongside the floral and orchestral décor reinforced the collection’s thematic cohesion and high-profile allure.

Quinn first garnered widespread attention when Queen Elizabeth II made a rare appearance at London Fashion Week to present him with the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, an accolade recognising emerging British fashion talent. The Queen, dressed in a blue Angela Kelly suit, sat beside Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour during his show, which featured floral designs that complemented her style. This moment not only elevated Quinn’s profile but also underscored the cultural and diplomatic significance of fashion within British society. Following the award, Quinn has continued to echo this prestigious association in his designs, blending homage with innovation.

London Fashion Week’s spring/summer 2026 season marked a broader resurgence for the British fashion scene as it sought to regain momentum after the disruptions of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the stewardship of British Fashion Council CEO Laura Weir, the event showcased 157 designers across 50 runway shows, emphasising both innovation and global relevance. Quinn’s presentation, with its emphasis on matured signatures and potential market expansion, encapsulated the spirit of London as a fashion capital willing to embrace bold, impactful creativity.

As Quinn’s star continues to rise, his latest show demonstrated a shift from shock value toward consolidation, highlighting a designer who understands the need to balance extravagant artistry with practical considerations. With Campbell leading the charge, the collection commanded attention while signalling Quinn’s readiness to occupy space—both literally on the runway and figuratively within the fashion world’s competitive landscape.

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Source: Noah Wire Services