London Fashion Week kicked off with an explosion of drama and sustainable innovation, courtesy of Harris Reed. Known for his grandiose aesthetic and theatrical storytelling, the designer surprised audiences by taking a new direction for Summer 2025: an obsession with upcycling elevated to haute couture levels. For six months, Reed immersed himself in the world of second-hand fabrics, scouring resale sites like eBay and Etsy, as well as small antique and decor shops, in search of materials rich with history. The result? A collection that proves luxury and sustainability can—and should—go hand in hand.
The Luxury of Materials with a Past
If upcycling is often associated with a rustic or experimental aesthetic, Reed shattered that notion by transforming historical and decorative fabrics into pieces fit for the red carpet. The designer unearthed true treasures, including a curtain adorned with Art Nouveau lace, Venetian tablecloths, and a 19th-century silk damask that once lined a headboard. His passion for decorative materials stemmed from his collaboration with wallpaper company Fromental in his previous collection and intensified while decorating his own home in London. What could have been a simple recycling exercise became a lesson in how the past can be reimagined with opulence and sophistication.
Drama in Every Stitch
Nothing about Harris Reed is subtle—and this collection was no exception. The carefully sourced fabrics were reimagined into sculptural pieces that challenge proportions and evoke the glamour of an era where more was always more. Structured skirts with exaggerated hip volumes, shoulders and collars that extend past the head, and plunging backlines that flirt with surrealism create a visual impact that defies convention. While some may argue that these pieces are impractical for everyday wear, that is not the designer's concern. "The more theatrical, the more people buy the pieces—and I know that's not the reality for other designers," Reed stated, reaffirming his belief that fashion should be an experience, not just clothing.
Fashion as Spectacle and Statement
Harris Reed has never created to fit in but to challenge and inspire. In an industry struggling to balance excess and environmental responsibility, his approach demonstrates that sustainable fashion can be just as spectacular as any other. His Summer 2025 collection is not just a series of stunning looks; it is a manifesto on how creativity can repurpose what already exists and transform the old into the extraordinary. In Reed’s world, every piece is a work of art—and every runway, a stage where fashion comes to life.
Photos Getty Images - LFW
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