It took place at noon, but given the mega-watt outfits in the audience, and the rock-and-roll front-row guests, this show should have been staged at midnight, preferably in a club, rather than St.-Martin-in-the-Fields church. The sacred architecture of the historic London landmark provided an unconventional backdrop for a collection that was deeply rooted in the rebellious spirit of British rock music, proving once again that designer John Richmond has a unique ability to unite the worlds of high fashion and legendary pop culture.
John Richmond sure can pull the pop stars, and their kids, too. His front row was studded with music royalty, creating an atmosphere that felt less like a traditional runway presentation and more like an exclusive backstage VIP lounge at a sold-out stadium concert. Among the notable attendees were Duran Duran’s Roger Taylor and Nick Rhodes, alongside Carl Barât from The Libertines. The next generation of rock aristocracy was equally well represented. Lennon Gallagher, son of Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, was in attendance, as were two of Ringo Starr’s grandchildren, Louis Starkey and Sonny Starkey, highlighting the enduring generational appeal of Richmond’s design aesthetic.
The star of stars, however, was Dave Stewart of Eurythmics fame, whose latest album, The Way It Was Back Then, is set for release on Oct. 30. Stewart, a towering figure in British pop and rock history, performed—albeit briefly—following the show, with Richmond himself stepping up to sing a few notes, much to the delight of the star-studded audience.
Stewart, who was dressed in a striking silver metallic satin suit with raw edges, has a long and storied history with the designer. He has been wearing John Richmond since 1989, and the designer actually created the costumes for his past two concert tours. Reflecting on their enduring professional and personal relationship, Stewart noted during the event, "We’ve been friends for a long time." That deep-rooted connection was palpable throughout the presentation, as the garments seemed to channel the exact kind of theatrical energy that defined Stewart’s iconic career with Annie Lennox in the Eurythmics and his subsequent solo projects.
The designer nodded to the old days with this polished collection, expertly blending nostalgia with modern tailoring. The runway featured an array of intricate laser-cut leather pieces, subtle dashes of New Romantic lace that recalled the decadent early-1980s London club scene, chunky Elvis-style sparkles that brought a touch of Las Vegas grandeur, and Cyndi Lauper-style pouf skirts and prom dresses that celebrated vibrant pop irreverence.
Throughout the presentation, the looks were a masterclass in the tension between sweet and sharp-edged design. A traditional-looking prom dress crafted in black eyelet cotton shared the runway with a bright pink gown dotted with fat crystals, creating a visual dialogue between innocence and extravagance. Elsewhere, lacy harem pants and frothy pouf skirts balanced out a tough leather jacket and miniskirt combo, offering a versatile wardrobe for the modern bohemian rocker. The look that closed the show, a sheer black embroidered gown, was finished off with a small mohawk-like headpiece, cementing the collection’s punk-infused elegance.
Richmond is originally from Manchester, a city with its own legendary musical heritage, but he has been based in Italy for decades and has been making clothes there for more than 40 years. That dual identity—combining British subcultural attitude with masterclass Italian craftsmanship—underpins his enduring appeal. His fabrics and cuts are consistently beautiful, which must be why the pop stars keep coming back for more season after season. Ultimately, these are clothes that are designed to perform and look their best not under the harsh, sterile light of a daytime office, but in a darkened room, illuminated entirely by the dramatic sweep of a spotlight.
