Our London Fashion Week roundup offers you an exclusive preview of next autumn’s covetable creations...
2024 marks 40 years of London Fashion Week, an event celebrated for its rebellious spirit and uniquely creative energy. We were delighted to take part this February where we showcased our AW24 collection. Read on to gain an exclusive first look at next autumn’s offering, and to find out which stylish guests were in attendance.
Italian Influences
Synonymous with timeless style, the upcoming collection pays homage to mid-century Italian design. The period between the 1940s and ‘60s saw the rise of influential architects and designers whose iconic creations remain so today. The use of clean lines, contrasting materials – such as wood, metal, and glass – and a raw, earthy colour palette inspires the season’s hero styles.
House for a Shoe Collector
Our London Fashion Week presentation took place on Saturday 17th February within the storied Heal’s Building on Tottenham Court Road, a former furniture factory. Its concept was derived from the Italian architect Gae Aulenti’s ‘art collector’s house’, a Milanese apartment which she renovated for the Agnelli family. Aulenti cleverly structured the environment around its artworks, their presence pivotal to the overall aesthetic of the space. With stainless steel, stacked bricks, and concrete and gloss finishes, our own space emulated the distinctive materials central to this era of design. Reflecting Aulenti’s sentiment, our shoes and handbags became the works of art for the day. A botanical installation, inspired by the wild yet simple landscaping of Carlo Scarpa, brought greenery to the space.
We were delighted to invite friends of the brand to come and view the collection – not least to see how they styled our pieces. Among them were Honor Swinton Byrne, Alice McMillan, Gaia Wise, and Tia O'Donnell. Also making an appearance, Anna Shaffer, Therica Wilson-Read, and Roxy Horner who all carried the Divine handbag, while Maya Williams opted to style the Audrey with new lace-up slingback Alia.
Ones to Watch
The collection includes new silhouettes as well as returning favourites in updated guises. From sleek mules embellished with our reimagined crest chain to sandals sporting marabou feather pompoms, expect a keen focus on texture and decorative detail. Streamlined sandals and mules are cast in all manner of innovative fabrics and the use of geometric lines calls upon famous furniture pieces.
Ask Coco and Valerio
Our Co-Creative Directors, Coco and Valerio, share their thoughts on London Fashion Week and the inspiration behind the upcoming collection.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A PART OF LONDON FASHION WEEK?
We love being a part of an amazing community of designers pushing boundaries in creativity and culture. Having a presentation during London Fashion Week allows us to showcase and discuss what the brand and our products are about.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO SHOW THE COLLECTION WITHIN THE HEAL’S BUILDING?
It felt fitting to showcase a collection inspired by furniture and product design in the Heal’s building, an establishment that has long been a staple in British design and history.
HOW WOULD YOU SUMMARISE THE AW24 COLLECTION?
Ultimately, the collection is a love letter to Italian design and craftsmanship which has always been a great source of inspiration for us.
WHICH ARE YOUR FAVOURITE STYLES FROM THE UPCOMING COLLECTION AND HOW WILL YOU BE WEARING THEM?
With a lush velvet ribbon tie, Spencer is the perfect ballet flat. Pair it with a cropped cigarette pant by day or a knee-length structured dress come evening.
Andrea has the perfect balance of the comfort and chicness of a low heel and the drama of the marabou feather pompom. It would look great with a pair of baggy denim jeans or a classic LBD.
The Malone Souliers AW24 collection launches in June 2024 online at MaloneSouliers.com.