Ahluwalia Makes a Restored Return to London Fashion Week for SS26
Presenting an energised collection of menswear and womenswear entitled ‘Affinity’.
After taking a season off, Ahluwalia returned to the London Fashion Week schedule with its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, Affinity, presented inside the bright atrium of London’s NoMad Hotel.
According to the show notes, the collection explores “the multifaceted nature of love” as well as marking a moment of “shedding” and “starting something new and fresh” for the brand, as Creative Director Priya Ahluwalia explained backstage.
The collection presented a line-up of strong tailored looks, bold denim, and party-ready pieces for both men and women. The show opened with a sharply tailored grey suit adorned with elongated ruby-red fringe – an ethereal visual that introduced the collection’s central theme of tension and release.
This juxtaposing dynamic continued throughout, with gowns and tops featuring intentional twists and knots, and accessories made entirely of fringe. Satin dresses also delivered fluid sensuality, while structured denim sets and precise tailoring provided a grounding counterbalance.
A standout element was also the colour palette, which radiated energy. Jewel tones – scarlet, ruby, sapphire – balanced well next to soft pinks, baby blues, and earthy browns. This radiant mix was inspired by cinematic portrayals of romance close to Ahluwalia’s heart, including “the opulence of Bollywood films, the timeless drama of Shakespearean tales, and the emotional resonance of Motown and R&B ballads.” These influences were further enriched by references to Indian miniature paintings and Nigerian deities, such as Oshun – the goddess of love and fertility.
Scroll up to see Ahluwalia’s full runway.
