Fashion East Celebrates 25 Years With Fresh Talent for SS26
The fashion Incubator welcomed Jacek Gleba, Mayhew, and Nuba for a celebratory offering at London Fashion Week.
It wouldn’t be London Fashion Week without Fashion East, and the Spring/Summer 2026 show – which took place at London’s Institute of Contemporary Art – proved why the UK capital is a hub for fresh underground talent.
The non-profit incubator, founded and led by Lulu Kennedy, has been instrumental in launching the careers of some of fashion’s most influential figures, including Kim Jones, Craig Green, Simone Rocha, Martine Rose, Wales Bonner, and JW Anderson. This season, Fashion East honors that legacy with Us Lot: 25 Years of Fashion East, powered by Nike, a retrospective on its rich fashion heritage.
In addition to celebrating the archives, Fashion East continues to look forward. Its SS26 showcase introduced a new trio of emerging talent. This season’s line-up featured two exciting debuts and one returning favorite. First up was Barcelona-born Jacek Gleba. Alongside him was Mayhew, the eponymous label by UK designer Louis Mayhew. Finally, Nuba by Cameron Williams returned for a third season.
Mayhew’s opening collection felt like a masterclass in deconstruction. Building on the brand’s signature layered style, different textiles added depth to the collection, while subtle paint splashes and striking accessories – such as elongated beaded necklaces and textural bags – inserted additional intrigue.
Nuba presented a collection that was both controlled and effortless. The seasonal monochrome palette showcased Nuba’s signature fusion of African and British influences. A showstopper look closed the show, featuring an oversized feather-like jacket, sheer cream trousers, and intricately woven shoes.
The final collection came from Jacek Gleba, who presented a lively range of dance-inspired looks. His SS26 offering featured soft, flowing fabrics, each piece seemingly designed for increased movement and flow. The color palette was gentle but impactful, and the strategic use of cutouts gave the collection a sense of fluidity and modernity. Ballet flats and flip-flops grounded the looks in everyday comfort, making the collection both fresh and wearable.
Take a closer look at Fashion East SS26 in the gallery above.
