Sinead Gorey’s AW’25 show was unlike any other. Taking place in the third level of a parking garage between Marylebone and Oxford Circus, we were ushered down a lift positioned in the middle of Cavendish Square Gardens.
Upon arrival, the cement was wet, lights bright and the energy was wild - everything you would expect at the scene of London's beloved, and always narrative-focused party girl. RIP Effy Stonen - you would have LOVED Sinead Gorey. I stepped inside of the designer’s chicken coop for a short while, composed of industrial brick, to work on a show I’d certainly included on my bucket list.
On theme pre-runway, the morning after vibe was embraced with a KFC catered lunch and an 8AM call time. “No chicken fingers” was shouted about 10 times that day. We (the dressers) fitted our models before sending them to HMUA. Each model got a fresh manicure of sharp, long claws to go with their slinky dresses and patterned tights. If I had to define the vibe backstage in one word it would be, cool. The clothes were cool, the models were cool, the hair and makeup was cool and the team was…you guessed it, cool.
Beneath our feet, the floor was scattered with studded, heeled sneakers, obnoxiously oversized sunglasses, chainmail dresses and crumpled up KFC bags. Featuring a collab with every indie girl’s go-to sneaker - Converse embraced the walk of shame and made it envy-worthy.
The offerings included, corseted sweat co-ords, newsboy caps, fur coats paired with leg warmers, cigarettes on the runway (hello Kate Moss), skirts with attached purses (luckily I have purse!) and necks adorned with bright red kiss residue. If there was a definition of dinner at 6, party at 8 - this collection would be it. It is every party girl's dream and perfectly inline with the transition back to a culture that prioritizes, and even promotes pleasure.
The energy backstage was a treat on its own. Though, the magnetic quality emulating around the venue as a result of the expertly cultivated team of talented models was palpable. Their ability to glide across the icy pavement, with soggy socks in tow, was nothing short of impressive. The looks came alive as models practiced their sassiest strut around the spotlit garage.
As the final model swaggered through the garage, the energy of the show lingered in the air. Sinead Gorey’s AW25 collection wasn’t just a runway show – it was a cultural moment, a celebration of rebellion and glamour that spoke to every late-night adventure and early-morning hangover. It was raw, real, and unapologetically cool, embodying the essence of a generation ready to reclaim the fun, the chaos, and the effortless chic of a life well-lived. If anything was clear, it was that Gorey’s world was one we all wanted to be part of – where style isn’t just worn, it’s lived.
