Your off-schedule guide to London Fashion Week SS27

There’s a lot to be excited about this London Fashion Week. Alexander McQueen returns to the UK capital for the first time in 25 years. Christopher Kane will make his debut at Mulberry, plus there’s a bunch of new kids on the block – from Gui Rosa to Liza Keane. You can read our full official guide here, but there’s also a whole lot happening beyond the BFC schedule. Each season, some of the most exciting shows and presentations take place on an IYKYK basis, and SS27 is no exception. This week, some of London’s buzziest new designers will show their collections off-schedule, almost in secret, promoted independently and to their followers only. Below, we roundup the off-schedule shows we’re most excited to see.

In our current issue of Dazed, Telford-raised designer Kai Ghattaura describes his work as “postmodern ragebait clothing”. His references revolve mostly around internet lore and, more specifically, the video games he grew up obsessed with (although you’re more likely to recognise his designs on the back of EsDeeKid, who is a big fan). He graduated from CSM in February and now he’s hosting an off-schedule show alongside his partner, Fin Forsyth. As for what to expect: “Come and play with us” he teases. 

“I get inspiration from found things, from reading, artwork, talking to people and even from certain sentences,” Ellen Poppy Hill told us last year. This season, the south Londoner seems to have been inspired by pencil-shavings. At least, that’s what her Instagram posts would suggest. She only shows once a year, with this year marking her third collection, titled Sharpen Up Your Act!. 

London’s favourite leather label is finally hosting its debut runway show. R&M Leathers was founded in 2018 by Ruby Mariani, and in the eight years since then, has grown a cult following, beloved by pop stars and It girls around the world. Tomorrow evening, they present ‘MISS LEATHERS’, a catwalk show hosted in east London in collaboration with Pornhub – as if the brand could get any sexier. 

Layal Balubaid is the London-based Saudi designer catching attention with her comedy-inflected couture. First Lady of New York City, Rama Duwaji, is a fan, and so are we (you can read our profile with the designer here). She’s currently studying for her MA at Central Saint Martins, but to mark London Fashion Week, she’s opening up her studio and welcoming visitors. “Want to see my pieces up close? Try things on? Be nosy? Bring me a present? Now you can!” She says. Get more information here. 

You might remember Greek designer George Trochopoulos from his viral mussel-shell bolero, worn by Solange and Tyla. He counts SZA, Jorja Smith, Anok Yai and Quen Blackwell as fans, and this Friday, he’s hosting an intimate off-schedule show in Fitzrovia. “The past few years I have been getting to know my girl. I hope this season I can give you a proper introduction to her,” he tells us.  

Lili Curia may only have been founded last year, but it’s already a firm favourite of the fashion crowd. The brand, known for its coquettish, vintage-style footwear, has been worn by everyone from Lisa to Suki Waterhouse, and on Saturday morning, it’s taking over Dover Street Market. Bringing some calm to the chaos of LFW, Lili Curia is hosting an intimate reading with model Tali Lennox. So if you need a breather, Lili Curia has you covered.