For a century, Marks & Spencer has been part of Britain’s fashion story. But it has never walked the official London Fashion Week runway. Until today.
In a historic first, M&S has just made its highly anticipated debut on the official LFW schedule to celebrate 100 years in fashion, unveiling a see now, buy now womenswear and menswear collection that customers can shop immediately online and in flagship stores.
Taking place at the Design Museum in London on Friday, the likes of Joan Collins, Katherine Jenkins and Ian Wright sat front row, while Erin O'Connor and Jodie Kidd walked the runway.
It was a huge moment - one that brings one of the world’s biggest fashion weeks directly to the high street - and having seen the collection for a preview up close, I can confirm it delivers.
This isn’t a heritage throwback. It’s sharp, modern and incredibly wearable. The tailoring is excellent, the colour palette is rich and autumnal, and the styling courtesy of ex-Vogue editor Verity Parker, brings it all together with polish.
Below, I’ve edited down the full runway collection to the pieces I’m backing to sell out before Burberry closes London Fashion Week on Monday night.
The outerwear is exceptional
This is where M&S really flexed. This faux pony skin coat hung beautifully. I will be wearing this with a dress and heels, or jeans and trainers. I only buy one piece of outerwear a year, so my collection builds slowly - but if you live in the UK, good jackets and coats are always worth the investment. Half the year, that's mostly what anyone sees of you anyway.
The leather piece that looks triple the price tag
Supple, not shiny, and cut with an oversized but flattering silhouette - this is the high street hero that will make everything else in your wardrobe feel more expensive.
The butter-soft trousers are ridiculously comfortable. I love mixing unexpected textures - a chunky knit tucked in at the front feels like the obvious pairing, but they'd work just as well with a jersey for an easy high-low moment. Other leather pieces worth a look: a chocolate pencil skirt and a chocolate bonded coat.
This suit is a perfect masculine-feminine ratio
And then there's the tweed oatmeal suit. If you buy one thing from this collection, let it be this. It strikes the perfect balance between masculine tailoring and feminine drape. I love how a small gap flashes through the fabric with every step. There's also a matching skirt, if you'd rather take the tailoring in another direction.
The polka dot dress that does sexy subtly
When I pulled this polka dot dress from the rail, I expected loose and drapey. Instead, it's figure-hugging - a welcome surprise. Styled with stilettos, it's a combination I wouldn't have reached for last winter, but one I can't wait to wear out this season. Cut to skim rather than cling, it's sexy without trying too hard.
The faux fur show stealer
The texture moment of the show. Plush, statement and surprisingly wearable you can throw them on with everything from jeans to tailoring all winter. The one everyone will want once they see them on the runway.
I grabbed the trapper hat and mittens, which feel just as suited to a big event as they do a lazy Sunday outing teamed with jeans. Also worth grabbing: the triangle scarf, stole, and snood.
