London Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2025 brought some of the most unforgettable beauty moments, celebrating Black culture and creativity. From Tolu Coker’s striking makeup to Lauryn Hill’s iconic front-row appearance, the event was a showcase of bold, boundary-pushing styles.
Tolu Coker’s “Strange Fruit” Makeup Steals the Show
British-Nigerian designer Tolu Coker, a semi-finalist for this year’s LVMH Prize, presented her most anticipated collection yet. Her show was a masterclass in blending fashion and beauty.
Makeup artist Bea Sweet drew inspiration from Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit,” using warm, rich tones and defined black lines. Meanwhile, hairstylist Efi Davies created loose fringe beehives and intricate braided knots. The result was a powerful tribute to Black heritage and artistry.
Coker’s show wasn’t just about clothes; it was a celebration of identity. The bold beauty looks perfectly complemented her avant-garde designs, making it one of the standout moments of London Fashion Week.
Lauryn Hill’s Front-Row Statement at Burberry
The Burberry show was a study in minimalist beauty on the runway. Models like Naomi Campbell sported straight-back cornrows and barely-there makeup. But the real star was the front row.
Lauryn Hill, seated next to her daughter Selah Marley and Zendaya’s stylist Law Roach, made a bold statement. She wore a green checked scarf and a dark brown lip, turning heads and stealing the spotlight. Her look was a perfect blend of elegance and edge, proving that sometimes less is more.
Hill’s appearance was a reminder of her enduring influence in both music and fashion. Her presence added a touch of star power to an already high-profile event.
Dilara Findikoglu’s Chaotic Romanticism
Dilara Findikoglu’s FW25 show was a love letter to chaotic romanticism. The designer’s braided corsets and jackets were matched with equally dramatic hair and makeup.
Hairstylists Kevin Murphy and Eugene Souleiman created Venus-inspired hairdos, while makeup artist Yadim added tattooed lips and brows. Iridescent inner eye corners completed the look, making it one of the most visually striking shows of the week.
Findikoglu’s ability to blend beauty and fashion into a cohesive narrative was unmatched. Her show was a testament to the power of bold, unapologetic creativity.
LABRUM London’s Sculptural Hair Show
LABRUM London, a West African menswear brand, turned their FW25 show into a celebration of hair. Lead hairstylist Nick Irwin used Schwarzkopf Pro’s Session Label collection to create sculptural braids and freeform styles.
Adorned with cowrie shells and gold clasps, the hairstyles were a nod to African heritage. The looks were both modern and historic, showcasing the brand’s commitment to cultural storytelling.
LABRUM’s show was a reminder that beauty is more than skin deep. It’s about identity, history, and the stories we carry with us.
Simone Rocha’s Beaded Brows
Simone Rocha’s show took beauty to the next level with beaded brows. Makeup artist Thomas De Kluyver removed models’ brows and replaced them with black, pink, and red beads.
The look was paired with liquid red lipstick and eyeshadow in warm tones. It was a daring take on beauty, proving that Rocha isn’t afraid to push boundaries.
This wasn’t the first time Rocha experimented with bold beauty. Last year, she used crystal embellishments for a Jean Paul Gaultier show. Her FW25 looks continued this tradition of innovation.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Black Beauty
London Fashion Week FW25 was a celebration of Black beauty in all its forms. From Tolu Coker’s powerful makeup to Lauryn Hill’s iconic look, the event showcased the creativity and influence of Black culture.
These moments weren’t just about fashion; they were about identity, heritage, and storytelling. They reminded us that beauty is a powerful tool for self-expression and cultural celebration.
