After a season away, Ahluwalia made a triumphant return to the London Fashion Week schedule with its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, Affinity, showcased in the sunlit atrium of London’s NoMad Hotel. Creative Director Priya Ahluwalia described the collection as an exploration of “the multifaceted nature of love” and a symbolic moment of “shedding” to embrace something fresh and new for the brand.
Tailoring Meets Playful Detailing
The collection featured sharp tailoring, bold denim, and party-ready pieces for both men and women. The show opened with a grey suit punctuated by elongated ruby-red fringe, a striking visual that encapsulated the central theme of tension and release. Gowns and tops were sculpted with intentional twists and knots, while accessories leaned heavily into fringe, creating movement and texture. Satin dresses offered fluid sensuality, while structured denim sets and precise tailoring provided a stabilizing contrast.
Colour, Culture, and Cinematic Inspiration
Ahluwalia’s colour palette radiated energy, balancing jewel tones — scarlet, ruby, sapphire — against soft pinks, baby blues, and earthy browns. The hues drew inspiration from cinematic depictions of romance, including the opulence of Bollywood, the drama of Shakespearean tales, and the emotive power of Motown and R&B ballads. Cultural references, such as Indian miniature paintings and Nigerian deities like Oshun, the goddess of love and fertility, added depth and resonance to the narrative of the collection.
Ahluwalia’s Affinity marked a moment of renewed energy and creative reinvention, blending heritage, storytelling, and wearable artistry into a cohesive runway presentation.
Scroll up to view the full Ahluwalia SS26 runway.