At London fashion week last month, the chatter was as much about the shows that weren’t on as the ones that were. Several emerging designers – SS Daley, Robyn Lynch and Dilara Findikoğlu – were absent from the schedule, with Findikoğlu, who has dressed the likes of Cardi B and Margot Robbie, telling the New York Times that she cancelled because “we simply don’t have the finances for a runway show right now”. Her words are indicative of the difficulties that many up-and-coming designers are experiencing.
Faced with the cost of living crisis, Brexit and a risk-averse buying approach from retailers, the independent designers that London is known for are struggling to survive, let alone progress. The upshot is that the UK capital’s reputation as the home of creativity is under threat.
