Following a one-season hiatus, Asian-American designer Chet Lo made a triumphant return to London Fashion Week, staging a show that pulsed with the luminous chaos of Hong Kong’s night markets. Staged at the Mandarin Oriental in Mayfair, the presentation transformed the hotel into a sensory spectacle, reaffirming Lo’s position as one of London’s most compelling creative forces — and a designer with global reach.
Drawing inspiration from the electric atmosphere of Hong Kong after dark, Lo reimagined his signature spiked knitwear in bold new forms. The textured staples evolved into halter-neck evening gowns and knee-length vests fastened with traditional Chinese knotting, blending heritage craftsmanship with contemporary silhouettes. Two-piece womenswear sets bloomed with dangling leaf-like embellishments, styled against a backdrop of vendor food carts and tactile umbrellas that echoed the energy and heat of bustling street markets.
A palette that moved from inky midnight tones to fiery reds and saturated gradients heightened the collection’s all-day quality. Spiked cardigans were layered over open red shirting and paired with elongated leather gloves, while sheer dresses offered subtle glimpses of skin beneath. Structured spiked blazers strode down the runway alongside sculptural hoodies, fluid silk trousers, and quilted bottle holders.
The latter nodded to a series of collaborations woven into the collection, including partnerships with Belvedere Vodka, Red Flagged, and the Asian People’s Disability Alliance, among others — reinforcing Lo’s commitment to community, culture, and cross-industry dialogue.
Take a closer look at Chet Lo FW26 in the gallery above.
Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast
