Steve O Smith Debuts First Runway Show at Royal Academy Life Drawing Studio During London Fashion Week
Steve O Smith unveiled his Spring 2027 ready-to-wear collection, titled Fever, at the Royal Academy's life drawing studio in London, marking the venue's inaugural fashion show. Established in 1769, the Royal Academy holds the distinction of being the UK’s oldest art school. Smith obtained consent from current students to utilize their studio for this event. The presentation, attended by around 50 guests, took the form of a lecture where Smith elaborated on each outfit as models showcased his creations. Drawing inspiration from André Derain's coastal illustrations, he incorporated red, cobalt, and Prussian blue inks. The collection featured a red dress crafted for British Vogue's Chioma Nnadi for the Met Gala. In 2022, Smith was honored with the Karl Lagerfeld award and has garnered favorable feedback for his made-to-order garments.
Key facts
- Steve O Smith presented his Spring 2027 ready-to-wear collection, Fever, at the Royal Academy's life drawing studio in London.
- The Royal Academy, founded in 1769 during King George III's reign, is the country's oldest art school and still in operation.
- Smith received approval from current students to use their studio, a first for a fashion show in the space.
- The presentation was structured as a lecture with about 50 audience members in the tiny Georgian auditorium.
- Smith's work transfers his drawings onto clothes through fabric appliqué, embroidery, and embellishment.
- The collection was inspired by André Derain's drawings of bathers at the seaside, using red, cobalt, and Prussian blue inks.
- Smith won last year's Karl Lagerfeld award in the LVMH prize and used the funds to hire and train a couture team.
- Eddie Redmayne and Hannah Bagshawe wore Smith's designs on the steps of the Met in 2024, boosting his business.
- Chioma Nnadi of British Vogue wore a red dress by Smith to last May's Met Gala.
- Only ten looks were shown, and the event received loud applause from the drawing benches.
Entities
Artists
- Steve O Smith
- George Grosz
- André Derain
- Henri Matisse
- Eddie Redmayne
- Hannah Bagshawe
- Chioma Nnadi
- King George III
- Karl Lagerfeld
Institutions
- Royal Academy
- British Vogue
- LVMH Prize
- King's Foundation
- Met Gala
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Berlin
- Germany