I Used to Be Seventeen: Fam Irvoll AW26

Norwegian designer Fam Irvoll returned to London Fashion Week AW26 with one of the most emotionally intelligent collections of the season, titled: I Used to Be Seventeen.

Presented in an iconic runway format at London Fashion Week for the Autumn/Winter 2026 season, this collection intricately intertwines autobiographical stories, transforming fashion into a lively visual diary. Each piece radiates a joyful celebration of youth, capturing cherished memories and highlighting the complex beauty of growing up. The designs delve into personal experiences, reflecting the vibrancy and chaos of adolescence, while the careful selection of fabrics and colours evokes nostalgia and the nuanced emotions tied to formative moments. Through this collection, the artistry of fashion becomes a powerful medium for storytelling, inviting the audience to connect with their own journeys of growth and self-discovery.

I Used to Be Seventeen

The “I Used to Be Seventeen” collection offered a delightful yet heartfelt journey into the complexities of identity, beautifully highlighting the balance between innocence and experience through playful silhouettes, intricate hand-embroidered florals, and whimsical accessories.

From the moment the first model graced the runway, I was enveloped in a wave of nostalgia that was truly captivating. The minimalistic set design allowed these storytelling garments to shine, complemented by soft lighting that evoked the warm glow of teenage bedrooms and school corridors.

The soundtrack was a mesmerising blend of ethereal pop melodies, intertwined with a hint of static, perfectly capturing the essence of fragmented adolescent memories in a rich soundscape. Compared to previous Fam Irvoll collections that embraced kitsch maximalism, this AW26 collection felt more introspective, drawing me into a vibrant exploration of the past where nostalgia and creativity harmoniously coexisted.

The collection’s playful nod to teenage awkwardness—from ill-fitting school uniforms to imaginative DIY personalisation—struck a relatable chord with me. The embroidered florals, symbolising growth, resilience, and femininity, graced everything from denim to puffer jackets and sheer dresses, resembling heartfelt diary entries crafted in vivid thread.

Sustainability was a centrepiece of the collection, shining through visible mending, eye-catching patchwork denim, and innovative repurposing techniques. These elements not only celebrate reinvention but also emphasise the beauty of giving new life to beloved materials. Overall, the experience was both inspiring and uplifting, leaving me with a renewed appreciation for the journey of self-discovery through fashion.

I Used to Be Seventeen Key Looks And Trends

Let’s embark on a delightful journey through the unforgettable fashion moments that defined my teenage years! From iconic outfits to must-have accessories, I’m excited to share the styles that have truly shaped me. Together, we’ll celebrate those remarkable looks that remain etched in our hearts and memories!

Our colour journey transitioned from vibrant reds and romantic burgundies to enchanting navy florals and soft pastels, reflecting our growth and emotional maturity beautifully.

Makeup transformed into a bold expression of individuality. Imagine vibrant fuchsia eyeshadow catching the light, electric-blue shades radiating energy, and striking ruby liners providing the perfect finishing touch—this was artistry that wholeheartedly embraced visibility!

Denim took centre stage, creatively reinterpreted through embroidery, patchwork, and playful proportions. Padded puffer jackets, sheer overlays, and ribbed knits layered nostalgia and tactile charm, creating pieces that felt lived-in rather than showroom-perfect.

Oversized botanical earrings and charm-adorned belts encapsulated the scrapbook aesthetic, paying homage to the unique creativity that defined Fam Irvoll’s AW26 collection at London Fashion Week. I can’t wait to share all these fantastic memories with you!

Stunning Style Highlights

I was absolutely captivated by the standout looks from the collection! Here are my favourites, each more stunning than the last:

The Soft-Tomboy Raglan Knit

The opening look at Fam Irvoll’s AW26 show at London Fashion Week featured a cream ribbed raglan knit with deep burgundy sleeves, paired with oversized, cuffed dark denim trousers.

Styled with vibrant floral drop earrings and a delicate charm accessory clipped to the waistband, the look balanced youthful vulnerability with confident self-expression — like borrowing your older sibling’s clothes and making them your own.

The Playful Puffer

A standout red floral puffer jacket worn with matching gloves and embroidered blue denim trousers injected warmth — both literal and emotional — into the runway.

Tiny stitched flowers scattered across the jeans created a childlike hand-drawn effect, transforming traditionally utilitarian pieces into wearable keepsakes.

The Rebellious Mini Dress

A black embroidered mini dress featuring whimsical tasselled utility pockets introduced a darker coming-of-age narrative.

The look nodded to teenage rebellion, with the delicate floral embroidery clashing intentionally against a structured silhouette — innocence meeting independence.

The Romantic Chain-Belted Set

Perhaps the most editorial-ready moment from Fam Irvoll AW26 London Fashion Week arrived in the form of a blue floral mini dress cinched with gold chain detailing and styled with bold electric-blue eye makeup.

The metallic hardware added a grown-up edge to the otherwise youthful print — symbolising the transition from girlhood to womanhood.

AW26 marks an exciting evolution for the brand, moving from playful irony to genuine expression at London Fashion Week. By embracing vulnerability while retaining their signature wit, the collection shines. The focus on denim pieces not only highlights strong commercial appeal but also taps into the nostalgic themes of memory dressing that are resonating throughout AW26.

Fam Irvoll AW26 London Fashion Weeks offering proved that nostalgia is not about looking back — but about reclaiming the parts of ourselves we were once told to outgrow.

Designer Instagram: Fam Irvoll

If this collection resonated with you, share your favourite look in the comments below — and don’t forget to subscribe to Wots Her Name Again? for more AW26 runway coverage, beauty insights and curated giveaways.

If you’ve been keeping up with Fashion Week season on Wots Her Name Again?, there’s plenty more where that came from. In my latest runway reviews:

Poet-Lab AW26: Inside The Lab At LFW, I take you behind the scenes at London Fashion Week to explore how fluid tailoring, soft structure, and gender-bending silhouettes are redefining modern femininity — especially for those of us navigating life with Lupus and seeking style that moves with us, not against us.  

Alongside that, my New York Fashion Week edit

Why Marc Jacobs SS26 NYFW Feels Like a Fresh Start dissects the captivating themes that are set to define the upcoming season.