Central Hall Westminster morphed into a mystical world inspired by Indian and Nigerian folklore for the 40th anniversary of London Fashion Week (16-20 February 2024) as the venue showcased Ahluwalia’s Autumn / Winter 2024 collection.
Image credit: Priya Ahluwalia
The venue’s Lecture Hall and Library merged into one large space to host the Reveries fashion show, curated by the multi-award-winning label’s creative director Priya Ahluwalia on Saturday 17 February.
Five hundred guests, including actors India Amarteifio, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, comedian Munya Chawawa as well as musicians Ghetts, Black Sherif and Jordan Stephens were seated around a runway featuring real trees designed to complement the collection, which was influenced by fairytales heard during Ahluwalia’s formative years and traditional dress from these countries.
The historical and atmospheric setting of Central Hall Westminster provided the ideal backdrop for Ahluwalia’s heritage-rich collection while the venue’s in-house production service partner White Light, worked closely with the show’s lighting designer to ensure lighting accentuated the vibrancy of her pieces.
White Light’s delivery of full runway lighting and rigging and use of over 50 lighting fixtures perfectly enhanced the show’s flora and fauna aesthetic, which featured dresses in deep red, orange and green, and top and skirt separates in deep aubergine and azure which draped across the body.
The provision of a d&b audiotechnik PA system for music and an array of atmospheric sound effects added another dimension to the show and offset other pieces, which included terracotta tailored trousers featuring gems, pearls, and sequins in almond formation and choli tops specific to the Vedic era, a period in the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age of the history of India. Three looks were also crafted from reworked denim supplied by Levi’s in a special partnership between Levi’s and Ahluwalia.
Image credit: Priya Ahluwalia
Central Hall Westminster also provided ample dressing space for models and crew on level 1 of the historic building. The spaces, conveniently close to the venue’s alternative entrance on Matthew Parker Street afforded easy access for those involved in the show. White Light’s support with backstage video relay, lighting and power also aided the smooth delivery. Ahluwalia’s Autumn Winter 2024 show is one of many fashion events hosted by Central Hall Westminster in the past few years. The heritage venue has been the canvas for iconic fashion events, including Anya Hindmarch, Molly Goddard, Burberry, DAKS and Simone Rocha.
Creative Director, Priya Ahluwalia said: "When I first visited Central Hall Westminster, I was captivated by its historical charm. The venue's architectural details complemented the 'Reveries' collection so well and I knew very quickly that I wanted our show to be held there. It was a beautiful backdrop to creating an enchanting experience for our guests and was the perfect canvas for bringing our collection to life."
Sarah Franczak, chief operating officer, Central Hall Venues, said: “Ahluwalia is deemed a pioneer in the fashion world and so we were thrilled to be able to host her impressive Autumn / Winter 2024 show at Central Hall Westminster, especially during the 40th anniversary of London Fashion Week. The versatility of the venue means it can easily host runways and shows of numerous sizes. Coupled with the hall’s unique heritage, Central Hall Westminster is the perfect setting for designers to showcase their latest collections.”