London Fashion Week 2022 showcases local fashion designer

Vaishali Ragunathan, also known as 'V', graduated from Guildford College in 2003 and has a reputation for creating timeless designs with a contemporary twist.

Her showcase took place at the Royal Horse Guard Hotel on Saturday, September 17 where she brought her collection to life for hundreds of fashion lovers and boutiques across the country.

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The curated collection featured everyday wear, overlays, jackets and of course her signature dramatic piece celebrating different tones of hot pinks and purple.

Vaishali said: “This was the first proper London Fashion Week in 2 years and the atmosphere was electric.

"During the pandemic, fashion week was online and last year there was alot of social distancing so when 350 people turned up it felt amazing."

The art-deco style of the Horse Guard Hotel complimented V’s style perfectly, highlighting her timeless siloettes and statement dramatic pieces.

V said that her collection ‘Iridescence’ has been designed as an optical phenomenon where the surface of the clothes gradually change colours as the angle of view changes.

This years showcase for VZ Perfection at LFW opened with a Hot Pink Silk Jacket complimented by a Digital Printed Velvet Collar, back panel, and cuffs.

Each outfit was marked with a profusion of digital printing, embroidery, handmade lace, ombre dying and playful smocking.

The established designer added: “Everyone went the extra mile this year because it has been so long since London Fashion Week has had such a large presence.

“It was my fourth year showing my designs and even with the devastating news of the Queens death heavy in the air, everyone pulled out all the stops."

London Fashion Week 2023 was slightly derailed when news broke that it would take place during a national period of mourning.

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Some of the biggest names of the week - Burberry and Raf Simons - cancelled their shows within 24 hours of the Queens passing and designer Roksanda was unable to go ahead due to the Royal park setting. 

Various tributes were made to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II throughout the renowned fashion week.

The British Fashion Council released a statement saying: “Shows and presentations of collections can continue, but we are asking that designers respect the mood of the nation and period of national mourning by considering the timing of their image release.” 

During the fashion show at the Royal Horse Guard Hotel, the catwalk went silent as no music was played during the showcase in tribute and commenoration of our late monarch.

Vaishali said: "It was slightly surreal and disconcerting for the models but everyone pulled out all the stops and put their heart and soul into it this year."