After observing the sheer luxury that unravelled at 180 The Strand the other day, it was clear Ashish’s SS 26 London Fashion Week show was worthy of a moment all to itself.
More dance party than standard path, the program was a surge of colour, joy, and movement that entirely redefined the catwalk experience. Everything began with the first design – or rather, professional dancer – floating down the path in a warm pink, chiffon gown, moving with such lively freedom I thought it was a special opening act. But no – this was the program’s rhythm from start to finish.
Each model did the same, twirling and grooving their way around the square footway before taking their place in the centre, where they remained, progressively developing a growing sea of shine, bangles, and ecstasy.
With a large and vibrant colour scheme, mixing disorderly beauty with raw, unapologetic edge, the collection was a party of maximalism – soaked in colour, glimmer, and texture – where opulence met grit in real Ashish design.
The program additionally marked the launching of a new partnership in between Ashish and electronic department store Debenhams, revealed on the path through 5 exclusive items from the collection.
Ashish is the first designer to be announced as part of the relaunch of ‘Designers at Debenhams’, a retail initiative initially launched in the 1990 s. The programme was amongst the very first to bring premium designer to the high street, making designer pieces much more available to a wider audience. Currently reestablished for 2025, the campaign continues to show its initial principles: British in identity, comprehensive by design, and focused on bringing fashion-forward items to day-to-day closets.
It showcased Ashish’s trademark design, crafted for both impact and wearability. Highlights included sequin slip gowns and skirts in liquid, 90 s-inspired shapes – where minimalist forms met high-shine embellishment.
Other standout pieces varied from extra-large technicolour layers in rich, saturated rainbow artificial furs to psychedelic-printed jacket separates in brilliant colors, fusing retro affects with a modern streetwear edge. The complete collection will make up 15 items.
Mentioning the collaboration, Ashish stated: “There’s something truly wonderful regarding beauty in a daily setup. Signing up with the resurgence of Developers at Debenhams, a brand that redefined British fashion, is a genuine honour.
“This collection commemorates pleasure, inclusivity, and originality, and I’m pleased to see it out worldwide.”
Other designs for SS 26 included reimagined tartan coats, gowns, and co-ords in a variety of strong colourways; a vivid, candy striped tassel dress shimmering with glitter; and a show-stealing tinsel-like coat that shone with every step.
Streaming fabrics, tie-dye Tees, and bangle cut-out gowns rounded out the collection, including layers of texture and playfulness to the high-energy runway.
The ambience was electric – transmittable, also – nd by the time the final design boogied into backstage, the area erupted in cheers and praise. Guests leapt to their feet to welcome developer Ashish Gupta, that stepped out to a barking ovation, beaming as he shared his many thanks with the crowd.
Ashish really did not just present a collection – he presented a party of pleasure, originality, and community. And in that glittering, euphoric minute, it was impossible not to intend to dance too!