Richard Quinn’s Melancholic LFW SS23 Finale

London Fashion Week ended with the best melancholic note in the hands of Richard Quinn. 

The London-based designer wanted to commemorate one of his biggest supporters and in just 10 days created a collection that paid respect and honored the late Queen Elizabeth II.

In 2018 Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II sat front row in her blue padded cushion at Quinn’s show and presented him with the Award for British Design. So it was no doubt for Quinn who set to immortalize Her Majesty's memory and support in no less than 23 all-black couture looks. 

Models walked in black, floor-length lace veils, birdcage face coverings, tiaras and oversized shoulder ensembles that were inspired by previous outfits worn by Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret. A nod to 1950’s formal dressing enhanced by vast capes, velvet tunic dresses, jeweled brooches and larger-than-life corsages. 

Quinn’s pink-cotton runway and multi-floral print decorations were ditched for black carpets and black walls. At the center of the spectacle CCTV cameras played archival footage of the Queen as Quinn’s all-black looks made their way through thee crowd. I need to say it again, Quinn and his team made a 23 couture collection in under 1 days! Impressive! All in the name of Quinn’s most high-profile supporter. 

Tiaras, lace veils and corsages pinned to lapels added the dramatic flare Quinn is known for. Every design was created around the idea of creating dramatic silhouettes while keeping up with an avant-garde-grade and exquisite aesthetic. 

After the Queen’s homage came Quinn’s original intended collection, where color, floral prints and structuralism shined. A collection focused around the theme of public surveillance, ergo the CCTV cameras. For Quinn it was all about seeing how high shoulders could go, turns out there is no limit. His signature floral motifs and bright colors were displayed in exuberant statement shoulders, high-cut bodysuits, ballooned waists and necklines that went all the way up to the models faces. 

Finishing with an ethereal, dramatic bridal gown all in lace. 

Courtesy of Vogue

Quinn shocked everyone with a two part show where she showed his ability to create his signature boundary-pushing, exaggerated femenine silhouettes in both black and multicolor saturated prints.