Richard Quinn’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection unveiled a world where Edwardian elegance meets midnight fantasy, proving once again why the London-based designer remains a force in bridging tradition and theatrical innovation. Set against a snow-covered Georgian townhouse, Quinn’s catwalk was transformed into a scene straight out of a winter dream – guests leaving a black-tie affair, their silhouettes bathed in monochrome glamour under the glow of Victorian streetlamps.
Quinn leaned into a refined palette of black, white and ivory, a deliberate departure from his signature vibrant prints. Corseted bells and draped pannier skirts nodded to 1950s haute couture, while satin bows adorned with rose corsages added subtle drama. Sequins shimmered like starlight under artificial snow, creating an atmosphere that was both intimate and extravagant. Bridal motifs appeared subtly – tulle veils pinned to chignons, models peering out of townhouse windows in a finale that felt like a nod to timeless romance.
Practicality anchored the fantasy. Richard Quinn‘s South London atelier, a hub for demi-couture and bespoke bridal, caters to an international clientele seeking bespoke luxury. His team flies around the world for fittings, but every piece is made locally-except for the embroidery, which is sourced from India. This balance of global reach and London-centric craftsmanship reflects Quinn’s vision: to elevate British design without sacrificing its roots.
The sophistication of the collection lay in its contrasts. A black and white prom dress opened the show, followed by rosette gowns and capes in bold hues. A Barbie pink bow cinched the waist of an embroidered gown, while a velvet number paired with an aqua shawl top offered playful duality. Mint tulle feathered trains and lemon-curd yellow shifts nodded to the 1960s, a decade Richard Quinn revisited with reverence. Iconic model Penelope Tree, now 75, closed the segment in a sparkling shirt dress – proof that Quinn’s designs transcend age and favor boldness over convention.
Quinn’s work channels the legacy of British court dressmakers like Bellville Sassoon, but his ambition goes beyond tradition. “I want shows that rival Paris,” he remarked, “but my heart is here.” For Fall/Winter 2025, he delivered just that-a love letter to London’s architecture and its enduring appeal, wrapped in snowflakes and sequins.
©Photo: Richard Quinn
