Fashion East SS25: A Dystopian Dream Meets Avant-Garde Fashion

With an impressive track record of nurturing some of the industry’s most celebrated designers, Fashion East is renowned for giving the next generation of UK talent a platform to shine. For the Spring/Summer 2025 season. Lulu Kennedy's Fashion East remains an unstoppable force in British fashion, consistently propelling emerging talent into the spotlight.

Upon entering the Truman Brewery venue, attendees were greeted by an arresting installation from Kitty Shukman, marking her Fashion East debut with a strikingly dystopian vision. Models posed amid the set, which featured a sculptural tree that exuded an otherworldly atmosphere. This installation served as the perfect backdrop to Shukman’s ergonomic 3D-printed shoe designs, which were directly inspired by the organic shapes and forms found in nature. Her fusion of technology and natural aesthetics offered a glimpse into the future of fashion—one where innovation and ecology intertwine seamlessly.

Moving into the runway space, SOS SKYN presented an equally immersive installation that blurred the lines between fine art and fashion. Known for their experimental materials and boundary-pushing designs, SOS SKYN showcased a range of sizes and looks that emphasized the brand’s unique approach to pattern-making and garment construction. With abstract expressionist touches painted onto the fabrics, the display was a vibrant exploration of texture and form, highlighting the brand’s commitment to merging artistic expression with wearable design.

Olly Shinder, returning to Fashion East for his second on-schedule collection, brought a bold military and naval aesthetic to the runway. His SS25 collection saw oversized, exposed shorts held up by criss-cross suspenders over nude torsos, setting the tone for a look that balanced ruggedness with sensuality. Shinder continued with a lineup of khaki co-ords and collared athletic tracksuits, adding a refined yet utilitarian edge to his growing repertoire. The collection felt like a sophisticated evolution of his signature style, with sharp tailoring meeting deconstructed military influences.

Nuba, whose SS25 “SIM” collection embodied the brand’s mastery of draping techniques. The range began with inventive takes on classic dress shirts, flipped upside down to create striking chest cutouts that added a sensual twist. From there, Nuba delivered a procession of hooded tops, puffed dresses, and slashed maxi skirts crafted from shimmering silk, evoking a feeling of effortless sophistication. The collection’s fluidity and daring silhouettes marked a fresh direction for the brand, capturing attention with its elegant yet rebellious energy.

Closing out the showcase, Loutre brought its signature skateboarding-inspired aesthetic to the runway with an unapologetic take on British streetwear. The collection kicked off with oversized fur coats and distressed baseball caps that channeled urban grit with a high-fashion twist. Draped blazers were paired with glossy trousers, while fur-trimmed tracksuits, cable-knit zip-ups, and drawstring-heavy workwear jackets added depth to the collection. The standout pieces included studded jorts and paneled trench coats, showcasing Loutre’s ability to blend casual, laid-back styles with high-impact design.

Fashion East’s SS25 showcase was a testament to the fearless innovation driving the next generation of British designers. Each presentation pushed the boundaries of traditional fashion, whether through Kitty Shukman’s fusion of nature and technology, SOS SKYN’s abstract, art-infused fabrics, Olly Shinder’s modern military-inspired silhouettes, or Nuba’s masterful draping and sensual cuts. Loutre’s vibrant streetwear, with its blend of skate culture and high fashion, closed the show with an electrifying energy. This season’s lineup not only highlighted the versatility and creativity of these emerging talents but also reaffirmed Fashion East’s role as a powerful incubator for groundbreaking design.