London Fashion Week FW23: The Best Viral Moments

London Fashion Week, the second stop in the season’s fashion month tour, did not disappoint. From Daniel Lee’s hotly anticipated Burberry debut to jaw-dropping celebrity appearances and runway cameos, there was no shortage of viral moments to absorb. Read on for our roundup of the most memorable moments from London Fashion Week FW23.

The City Paid Tribute to Dame Vivienne Westwood

A memorial service for the Queen of Punk kicked off London Fashion Week FW23. Held at Southwark Cathedral, a host of celebrity guests—Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham, Anna Wintour, and Bianca Jagger, included—were in attendance and wearing some of the late designer’s iconic pieces. Known for her groundbreaking 70s designs and Carrie Bradshaw’s Sex In The City iconic wedding dress, Westwood was celebrated as much for her contribution to fashion, as her pioneering work as an environmental activist. 

Daniel Lee’s Hotly Anticipated Burberry Debut Finally Happened

The house’s newly appointed creative director chose Kennington Park as his show spot and, with a nod to the drab weather the city is known for, playfully gifted blankets and hot water bottles to show-goers. The collection itself offered a thoroughly modern take on iconic British style: Trench coats with vegan fur collars, stompy, oversized rain boots, and the house’s classic Burberry check updated with a colorful new spin. It was arguably the most hotly anticipated moment of London Fashion Week FW23.

Sir Ian McKellen Walked S.S. Daley’s Runway—And Read a Poem

Inspired by the idea of water and the Kate Bush song The Ninth Wave, S.S. Daley sent duck-print knits and nautical-themed jackets down the runway at London Fashion Week FW23. In an unexpected twist of events, Sir Ian McKellen was one of his runway models. Wearing a supersized navy pea coat and necktie, the Lord of the Rings actor stopped mid-show to recite a poem to the audience.

Rapper Rico Nasty Walked Mowalola in An Ode To NYC

In a collection that paid tribute to New York City Nigerian designer Mowalola Ogunlesi reworked Yankees fan clothing to playful effect. A mustard leather bomber and micro-mini worn by rapper Rico Nasty would have stolen the show had it not been for London-based graffiti artist Slawn’s adorable baby, who was carried down the runway by her dad.

For Designer Sinead O’Dwyer, Inclusivity Is Not a Passing Trend

Drawing inspiration from her grandmother’s wardrobe, the Irish designer enlisted models of different sizes and abilities to showcase her second runway collection of corsets and miniskirts, pajamas, and trench coats. London Fashion Week has always been a hotbed of talent, and this season proved O'Dwyer was one newcomer set to help change the industry for the better.

Celebrities Showed Up for The Moncler Genius Event

To celebrate its collaborations with brands and celebrities, Moncler Genius closed London Fashion Week FW23 with a star-studded event titled The Art of Genius. Justin Bieber, Alicia Keys, and Naomi Campbell, all made appearances while pieces created in partnership with Adidas Originals, Pharrell Williams, Alicia Keys, and Jay-Z decorated the venue.