British designer Richard Quinn showcased a nostalgic autumn/winter 2025 collection at London Fashion Week, blending classic silhouettes with modern flair, and featuring the return of 75-year-old model Penelope Tree.
British designer Richard Quinn captivated audiences with his latest collection during the autumn/winter 2025 London Fashion Week, held on February 21, 2025, at The Lindley Hall within the Royal Horticultural Halls in southwest London. Known for his classic and retro styling, Quinn, aged 35, showcased his ability to blend elegance with nostalgia, reviving the iconic ‘new look’ silhouette that Dior popularized nearly 80 years ago.
The event attracted a crowd eager to witness Quinn’s vision, with attendees queuing in inclement weather, shielded by umbrellas as they awaited entry. Inside, the transformed ballroom resembled a winter wonderland, complete with a Georgian townhouse adorned with Quinn’s name and wrought iron gates leading to a runway embellished with street lamps and a light dusting of faux snow. Models walked down the runway under a flurry of snowflakes that descended from the ceiling, setting a whimsical and enchanting backdrop for the evening.
Quinn’s collection signaled a departure from the theatrical and edgy styles that have characterized much of modern fashion. Instead, he focused on refined silhouettes and eye-catching embellishments that evoked a sense of old-Hollywood glamour. His designs featured sumptuous silks, poufs, and ruffles, accompanied by classical string music, positioning the collection in a setting reminiscent of vintage postcards.
Notably, the show featured the return of 75-year-old Penelope Tree, a renowned model from the Swinging Sixties in London, further solidifying Quinn’s homage to the past. While the collection is celebrated for its timeless elegance, it also retained elements of Quinn’s trademark exuberance, such as large eighties-style roses adorning evening gowns, with striking shoulder pads and cinched waists illustrating the interplay between confidence and femininity.
Quinn’s bridal collection emerged as a highlight, signaling his growing reputation in the wedding gown sector. His designs, characterized by floor-length veils and refined embellishments, are generating considerable interest and may position him alongside established names such as Vivienne Westwood in British bridal fashion.
As the show concluded, the upbeat song “Always On My Mind” by Pet Shop Boys provided a lively soundtrack to the showcase, leaving guests with an impression of joy and celebration. Among the front row attendees were notable figures including Olympic runner Keely Hodgkinson, Anais Gallagher, the daughter of Oasis star Noel Gallagher, and sisters Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia Spencer, all of whom donned Quinn’s creations, exemplifying the designer’s appeal among A-list personalities.
Quinn’s dedication to craftsmanship, combined with his innovative designs, continues to resonate within the fashion community, and his latest collection reflects a skillful blend of historical reverence and modern sensibility.
Source: Noah Wire Services
