London Fashion Week is always a whirlwind – the drama, the glamour, the sheer creativity – and nestled right in the heart of it all sits Fashion Scout’s Ones To Watch SS26 showcase. This showcase is a crucial part of London Fashion Week, as it spotlights emerging designers and sets the tone for the future of fashion. If you’ve been following my blog, you’ll know that I love a runway moment that champions new voices. And this year’s Ones To Watch was precisely that: a melting pot of global talent, experimental ideas, and fresh perspectives that reminded me why I adore this industry so much.

Now in its 13th year, Ones To Watch continues to be a defining platform at London Fashion Week, celebrated for launching designers whose influence reaches far beyond the catwalk. Alumni, including Eudon Choi, Phoebe English, Roberts|Wood, Angel Chen, Ji Won Choi, Susan Fang, 1×1 Studio and Georgia Harding, stand as testament to its role as a catalyst for new ideas in global fashion.

Fashion Scout’s Ones To Watch SS26 showcase

This season, Ones To Watch 01 showcases six rising international talents whose work is bound by storytelling, cultural identity, and fearless craftsmanship. From garments that echo the intimacy of skin and the ritual of tattooing, to silhouettes shaped by architecture, heritage, and resilience, the lineup offers an emotionally charged, cross-cultural dialogue in design. Together, these designers invite audiences to experience fashion not just as clothing, but as narrative, memory, and expression:

One of the joys of Ones To Watch SS26 was its global essence. It was a celebration of diversity, with Armenian heritage woven into fabric techniques, Libyan artistry shaping silhouettes, and Thai craftsmanship dancing across the runway. Fashion Scout excels at this, bringing together designers from across the globe to remind us that fashion is a universal language that we all speak.

Six Designers, Six Bold Statements: Ones to Watch in Runway Order:

This season, the lineup spotlighted six boundary-pushing designers:

Jaoka Jaokha (Thailand / UK) – Temple of the Mind is an inspiring collection that views the mind as a sacred sanctuary, a refuge for both protection and preservation. Infusing elements from Thai culture and traditional costumes, it beautifully transforms ceremonial silhouettes and spiritual beliefs into a modern narrative. This collection captures the delicate equilibrium of strength and vulnerability, celebrating the essence of inner peace and the importance of safeguarding our tranquillity. The designer, Jaoka Jaokha, draws inspiration from her Thai heritage and her experiences living in the UK, creating a unique blend of cultural influences. Website: jaokajaokha.com Instagram: @jaokajaokha

Ruaa Elmansuri (Libya / UK) Ruaa Elmansuri’s SS26 collection celebrates North African heritage with a modern twist. Each piece features intricate silver embellishments and vibrant colours on ethereal silhouettes. The collection honours tradition and craftsmanship while promoting sustainable practices through exquisite hand-finished details. Ruaa Elmansuri, a designer with a background in North African fashion, has been on a journey of exploring how to blend traditional elements with modern aesthetics, and this collection is a culmination of that journey. Drawing inspiration from conventional Libyan Amazigh attire and key historical moments like decolonisation, it offers a fresh, meaningful perspective on fashion.

Designz by Minaaz (USA / Dubai) This season, Designz by Minaaz unveils a stunning couture collection celebrating transformation and artistry! Inspired by nature’s symbols of resilience, such as butterflies and flowers, each piece embodies movement.

Featuring luxurious fabrics such as silks and tulles, our collection showcases 3D floral appliqués, shimmering sequins, and exquisite hand embroidery. From gilded blossoms to vibrant feather gowns in pinks and purples, each look tells a unique story of elegance and empowerment. Let’s embrace this beautiful journey together!

Website: designzbyminaaz.com Instagram: @designzbyminaaz

KimLin (Armenia – Fashion Scout Armenia Winner) – Skylines celebrates the stunning beauty of Zvartnots International Airport, a true gem of Armenian architecture! Featuring stylish, eco-leather details, this collection beautifully blends fashion with sustainability. The chic, mostly monochromatic palette, accented by a lively pistachio pop, infuses a contemporary flair that makes these designs truly shine!

Instagram: @kimlin.am

Project supported by: @fdc_armenia

Selenee (USA) –Welcome to Reach, where fashion reflects your unique journey! We’re excited to present the Reach Collection by Selenee—a vibrant celebration of shape and spirit. Inspired by MT Yang’s love for dynamic sleeves, each piece embodies the essence of flight.

With sculptural tailoring and graceful simplicity, this collection invites you to balance stability and freedom. The standout Virelle dress symbolises transformation, encouraging bold new adventures. Reach is for those who move with purpose and embrace life’s journeys. Dress intentionally and unlock the wonders beyond the horizon!

SO”AIS (Armenia – Fashion Scout Armenia Winner) The SIESTA collection combines tranquillity and resilience, inspired by Spain’s afternoon siesta and Armenia’s spirit. Dots symbolise the warm sun and playful bubbles, embodying calmness in our busy lives. Lightweight cottons and airy organzas evoke stillness, while structured wools and cosy puffers offer warmth. With curvy silhouettes inspired by Gaudí, oversized, flowing skirts, and layered sheers, this style embodies freedom and elegance, promoting precision and modularity. Crafted with mindful materials, SIESTA celebrates serenity and strength, blending soft traditions with a modern twist.

Instagram: @sonais.yvn

Project supported by: @fdc_armenia

Each designer brought their own energy, cultural roots, and innovative spin on fashion. And honestly? The mix was delicious.

If you’re looking for the future of fashion, look no further than Fashion Scout’s Ones To Watch SS26.

It’s the place where tradition meets innovation, where fresh voices break through the noise, and where you’ll likely see the next big name before the rest of the world catches on. This balance is what makes the event so exciting and the future of fashion so promising.

For more behind-the-scenes LFW coverage, don’t miss my Sprayground SS26 review, or check out my London Fashion Week hub.

I’d love to know: which of these six designers excites you the most?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below and check out more of my London Fashion Week reviews on Wots Her Name Again?

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Lee-Anne x

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