Art Hearts Fashion Show
London fashion week is here and we’ve got you covered for the up and coming stars of the fashion industry. The Art Hearts Fashion Show spanned two days, featuring seven designers per day. Story was in attendance on Friday, and I am here to deliver an honest review of the collections that worked the runway.
GLAUDI by Johana Hernandez
Photo: Marty Fern
Kicking off the show was GLAUDI by Johana Hernandez, a couture house specializing in bridal, eveningwear, quinceañera, and suiting. The collection opened the show with a gown that was nearly as extravagant as the veil, a very dramatic and strategic choice. The lace draped flawlessly along the model’s silhouette, an immaculate complement to the grandeur of St. John’s Church.
Look after look embodied bridal chic: fun, flirty, and all-encompassing. One standout garment to me was something that I can perfectly picture as the reception dress of your dreams. A romantic pearlescent, sheer boat neck long sleeve cocktail dress with an oversize bow that felt celebratory yet refined. Turn it around, and the cowl-neck low back sealed the deal.
The finale to the collection, a glittering tan and pink ombré strapless masterpiece, closed with “Where Is My Husband?” by Raye, perfectly capturing the collection’s playful yet dreamy ambiance.
Gown after gown, it is clear that Johana Hernandez knows her craft. Whether working with satin, feathers, beadwork, or tulle, these pieces were made for women, by a woman. The silhouettes honored and sculpted the female form with elegance and drama, leaving a lasting impression.
House of Byfield
Photo: Jon Berg
Next was House of Byfield, whose designers are native of the Netherlands. Their collection blended street style culture with high fashion, producing dynamic yet wearable designs. House of Byfield’s designers are from the Netherlands and their unique garments definitely showed this. In sharp contrast to the bridal opulence before it, streetwear took command of the runway.
The A/W 2026 looks definitely delivered the essence of autumn and winter particularly through fur accents. While the tailoring was strong and the garments cohesive, the muted palette of tans and blacks slightly dulled the overall impact. The styling choices, especially regarding the fur, didn’t always elevate the pieces as effectively as they could have.
Still, the execution and craftsmanship were undeniable. House of Byfield’s technical precision deserves praise that travels all the way back across the sea to the Netherlands.
Merlin Castell
Photo: Mark Gunter
Merlin Castell immediately commanded attention with bold color alone, before even considering fabrication. The Los Angeles–based designer and CEO approaches fashion with an architectural, avant-garde sensibility, and it showed.
The silhouettes carried an extraterrestrial edge: sharp neckline structures, vibrant stick-like necklace-bolero hybrids, and alien-esque headpieces created a cohesive visual language. Bright yellow, orange, pink, blue, and green electrified the runway. Sequined gowns and jumpsuits added a cheeky yet high-shine finish to the catwalk.
Toward the close, charcoal and silver looks provided contrast, offering a more subdued, ready-to-wear evening alternative without abandoning the brand’s distinct identity. Overall, the collection was lively, innovative, and unapologetically individual.
Idol Jose
Photo: Mark Gunter
Idol Jose, representing Venezuela, brought a fusion of streetwear energy, eye-catching patterns, and playful textures. Showcasing both menswear and womenswear, the collection demonstrated versatility.
A zebra-print puffer jacket stood out as a fall/winter statement piece I can easily envision taking over city streets. Coordinated sets and richly textured jackets and blouses displayed thoughtful range. Particularly compelling was the juxtaposition of traditionally feminine, like bows, styled on male models, a subtle but impactful commentary in fluidity and form.
The collection reflected a confident understanding of designing for both men’s and women’s bodies, executed with flair.
Will Franco
Photo: Mark Gunter
Will Franco of Will Franco Designs is no stranger to the international stage, with showcases spanning Los Angeles, New York, Dubai, Tokyo, and Shanghai. London was no exception.
His gowns dazzled without pause. One look in particular stole the moment: a nude, sheer, fully bedazzled gown featuring an asymmetric bodice, one cat-eye breast cup contrasted against a rounded counterpart, and a corset draped like a waterfall. The cascade of jewels mirrored that same waterfall effect down the train, creating fluidity through embellishment. Paired with a matching neck scarf, the ensemble demanded an invitation to the most exclusive of events.
Every stitch placement felt intentional. Franco’s couture speaks to individuality, glamour, and the fantasy every woman deserves to embody.
Giannina Aazar
Photo: Mark Gunter
If there were a masterclass on closing a show, Giannina Aazar would be leading it. The Dominican-Lebanese designer, known for dressing icons such as Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and Gwen Stefani, delivered a finale worthy of her reputation.
The opening look: a drop-waist gown with a cherub-inspired toile skirt and a decadent gold-and-blue corset, set the tone. Neckline after neckline, waistline after waistline, the structures demonstrated an intimate understanding of the female form. Shimmering fabrics and sculpted silhouettes allowed each model to walk with undeniable confidence.
The craftsmanship behind these gowns was unmistakable. Each piece was constructed to fit and flatter, reflecting the hands of a deeply skilled designer and atelier. As the final look exited the runway, it was clear: Giannina Aazar provided the perfect close to my first London Fashion Week show, an ending defined by precision, glamour, and unapologetic femininity.
Conclusion:
Overall, the Art Hearts Fashion Show at London Fashion Week delivered a dynamic mix of bridal opulence, avant-garde experimentation, streetwear edge, and couture glamour, proving just how diverse the next wave of design talent truly is. Happy to share that my first ever London Fashion Week Show was a success and exceeded my expectations. Stay tuned for more honest reviews of the shows from London Fashion Week.