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Savile Row Icon Richard James Teams with DERRICK for Bold, Inclusive Eveningwear Capsule
READ TIME: 13 MIN.
Savile Row’s reputation as a bastion of classic British tailoring met contemporary creativity and inclusive ideals on September 18, 2025, as Richard James unveiled a highly anticipated collaboration with rising London menswear designer DERRICK (Luke Derrick) at a special launch event in the capital. The result: an abstract eveningwear capsule collection that is as much about personal expression as it is about sartorial excellence .
Richard James, a tailor synonymous with innovation on Savile Row, is no stranger to pushing boundaries. Since the 1990s, the label has been credited with modernizing British tailoring, introducing bold colors and slim silhouettes while maintaining exceptional craftsmanship . The partnership with DERRICK marks a continuation of this legacy, introducing a new generation to the possibilities of formalwear.
DERRICK, led by designer Luke Derrick, has quickly earned a reputation for blending abstract forms and unexpected textures into menswear. The new capsule draws on both brands’ strengths, featuring reinterpretations of Richard James’s iconic ‘90s camouflage suiting in fresh, abstract motifs and luxurious fabrics .
What sets the DERRICK x Richard James collection apart is its focus on self-expression and inclusivity. The capsule’s silhouettes are intentionally fluid, designed to welcome a broad spectrum of identities and body types. The collection employs a diverse color palette and unique fabric choices—reflecting not only the designers’ creative visions but also their commitment to clothing as a vehicle for individuality .
In interviews, both brands have highlighted their shared belief that eveningwear should empower wearers to feel confident and authentic, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. By challenging conventional norms about who can wear what, the collection aims to foster a more inclusive conversation about luxury fashion .
The launch event, held in London as part of the Spring/Summer 2026 womenswear week calendar, attracted a diverse crowd of fashion insiders, LGBTQ+ advocates, and cultural influencers. Models of various genders and backgrounds walked the runway in pieces from the capsule, underlining the brands’ commitment to representation .
The campaign imagery, shot by photographer Scott Gallagher and styled by Ola Ebiti, further reinforces the collection’s inclusive ethos. The visuals spotlight individuals from across the LGBTQ+ spectrum, each styled in ways that reflect their personal identities .
While high fashion collaborations are not new, the DERRICK x Richard James partnership stands out for its explicit focus on community and self-acceptance. LGBTQ+ commentators have noted that the collection’s launch arrives at a time when representation in luxury fashion is both in demand and under scrutiny. By centering inclusivity not just in casting, but in garment design and messaging, the brands have set a new benchmark for what it means to be truly representative .
Feedback from LGBTQ+ wearers and stylists has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the collection’s ability to balance elegance with attitude. Social media reaction on platforms such as Instagram (@RichardJamesSavileRow) and Twitter has included messages of gratitude for the visible commitment to diversity, as well as excitement at seeing non-traditional bodies and identities celebrated in luxury eveningwear .
The DERRICK x Richard James collection is now available at select retailers and online, with both brands expressing hope that the capsule will inspire other luxury labels to embrace similar approaches. As fashion continues to grapple with questions of accessibility, representation, and authenticity, collaborations like this one signal a broader industry shift toward celebrating the full diversity of its audience .
For LGBTQ+ communities and allies, the launch of this capsule is more than just a moment in fashion—it is a statement of belonging, creativity, and pride.
