As the capital gears up to London Fashion Week 2024 – which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary – all eyes are on the latest crop of new London fashion designers. The city is home to some of the world’s finest young creative minds, many of whom will be displaying their new collections at LFW. From red carpet favourite Dilara Findikoglu to Sarabande graduate Leo Carlton and radical artist and activist Ingrid Kraftchenko, these are the most exciting new names to have on your radar for 2024.
New London Fashion Designers
Dilara Findikoglu
Despite being part of the latest wave of new London fashion designers, Turkish-British designer Dilara Findikoglu has already made a global name for herself, thanks to being named the ‘Brand to Watch’ in Lyst’s 2023 round-up of the hottest fashion labels. Predicted to be the next big thing for 2024, her fantastical, gothic romantic looks have already been worn by the likes of Margot Robbie, Emma Corrin and Zendaya.
The label didn’t make an appearance at London Fashion Week in September, but it’s on the schedule to show on the Sunday during the latest LFW, the same day as Emilia Wickstead and JW Anderson. After being nominated for the coveted New Establishment womenswear designer at the Fashion Awards 2023, you can expect to see Findikoglu’s pieces everywhere this season.
Ingrid Kraftchenko
Described as a radical creative, artist and activist, Ingrid Kraftchenko is one of the new London fashion designers that’s currently turning the industry on its head. The British-Ukrainian designer has gained critical acclaim for her utilitarian, avant-garde designs, which aim to challenge modern luxury. Previously trained in Architecture, Kraftchenko graduated from London College of Fashion in 2017 and crafts all her pieces from her studio in East London.
Previous Kraftchenko collections have sought to subvert the British uniform, focusing on punk subculture, as well as the craft of zero waste pattern cutting and the reuse of deadstock fabrics. Previously working as a performance artist for Marina Abramović, there’s always an element of theatricality to a new Kraftchenko show or collection. We can’t wait to see what she’s got up her sleeve for 2024.
Sinead Gorey
Despite only launching in 2019, new London fashion designer Sinead Gorey already counts some big names among her famous fans, including Miley Cyrus, Jorja Smith and SZA. Described as a fusion brand of women’s contemporary and technical party wear, Gorey is known for her irreverent, figure-hugging designs, which draw inspiration from London’s clubbing subcultures.
Born and bred in South East London, Gorey grew up immersed in the capital’s rave scene, which is reflected in her neon body-con dresses and cut-away bodysuits. The rebellious, head-turning designs are also known for their eco-friendly credentials. The label’s signature digitally printed fabric has become a cult favourite, while their sustainable seamless knitting technology eliminates the need for cut and sew, resulting in 0 per cent waste.
Kazna Asker
British-Yemeni designer Kazna Asker broke new ground when she graduated from Central Saint Martin’s in 2022 and became the first designer to feature models wearing hijabs at her MA show. Asker’s designs combine luxe sportswear with traditional Middle Eastern fabrics and silhouettes, bringing a modern take on Islamic fashion to a whole new audience.
Born and raised in Sheffield, Asker was awarded the British Fashion Council’s Final Year MA Scholarship to fund her collection, which has since been featured in Vogue Italia, Vogue Arabia and Harper’s Bazaar Arabia. The 26-year-old made her debut at London Fashion Week in September – where traditional Yemeni tea and biscuits were served to the audience – and her upcoming second show is hotly anticipated.
Leo Carlton
London-based headwear and fashion artefact designer Leo Carlton crafts exquisite headpieces from 3D-printed PLA (polyactic acid) materials. As part of Carlton’s commitment to sustainability, all of their ethereal, nature-inspired headpieces are made from biodegradable fermented plant starches and developed in virtual reality.
After graduating from Cordwainers, London College of Fashion in 2014 and spending two years in-residence at Sarabande Foundation, Carlton went on to collaborate with the likes of Charles Jeffrey and Tim Walker, before taking up a post as millinery assistant at Stephen Jones. Carlton’s sensual headpieces come with a wry sense of humour – their first exhibition at Sarabande was entitled ‘HEADF*CK: A Millinery Testament’, where one of the hats on display was called ‘Tinnitus’ and had a bell that would ring.
