Helen Lax, Director of Fashion District, said: “London is a global leader in nurturing new creative talent. This showcase is giving a platform for the next generation to be seen, heard and experienced. By bringing together emerging designers with cutting-edge digital innovation, we’re not just presenting fashion, we’re exploring what its future can look like.”
The evening kicked off with a VIP reception at ALFI, where guests were welcomed by Helen Lax. The reception also marked the announcement of the Manufacturing Futures Innovation Challenge Prize 2026, with Pulpatronics taking home the top prize. Read more about the winners here.
Speakers also included Vanessa Perez Sanchez, Director of Small Business, London & Partners; Nathalie Lethbridge, Chief Outreach and Marketing Officer, EIT Culture & Creativity; and Tom Adeyoola, CEO of Innovate UK. Adam Mansell, CEO of the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT), said:
“This year’s cohort showed a strong systems-thinking approach to manufacturing innovation. It was encouraging to see continued focus on early-stage processes such as dyestuffs, alongside practical solutions for retailers and manufacturers, ranging from RFID to water conservation. These start-ups have real potential to help address some of the industry’s key challenges – it has been really exciting to be part of the judging process.”
Following the reception, guests were seated in Spitalfields Market for the Fashion District Showcase. Creatively directed by award-winning stylist and creative director Kim Howells, the runway spotlighted six emerging designers, each bringing a distinct perspective to the catwalk.
The line-up included Min-Ji Kim, known for her bold knitwear and surreal sculptural silhouettes; Ksenia Schnaider, a pioneer of innovative sustainable denim; Matthew David Andrews, renowned for his vividly expressive, character-driven designs; Dede Arisekola, weaving Afrofuturism and Pan-African consciousness into sculptural, story-led collections; Barbara Hornok, celebrated for her amorphous, sculptural womenswear; and Catalina Negara, recognised for her feminine upcycled garments and accessories.
The collections were set against a high-energy soundtrack by DJ Mr Redley. Above the runway, the Spitalfields Market C-Screen came alive with striking digital visuals by creative technologist and immersive artists Imogen Fox and Yao Yao, transforming the space into a dynamic collision of fashion, motion and digital innovation.
Kim Howells, Director of K.I.M., said: “Fashion District creates such a unique and compelling opportunity to showcase designers fusing tech and sustainability at the iconic London Spitalfields. I’m honoured to be working with them again to creatively direct a live fashion show combined with a forward-thinking digital collaboration. This experience promises to be packed with ambitious, thought-provoking talent representing much of London now.”
Guests were also invited to experience Digital Umbra, an exclusive collaboration between Fashion Innovation Agency and Jason Bruges Studio. The inhabitable media environment explored movement through space by capturing visitors’ shadows and projecting them back onto a large screen, creating a shared experience that blended the physical and virtual world.
The energy carried through to ALFI for the official after-party, an evening of conversation, community and a shared excitement for the future of London’s fashion scene.
Images: Alistair Veryard
Cover: Olu Ogunshakin
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest Fashion District updates, and follow us to keep up-to-date with our events and opportunities: