The opening of London Fashion Week this year had an unexpected guest.
On 19 February, King Charles III made a surprise appearance to open London Fashion Week 2026, marking the first major royal attendance since Queen Elizabeth II famously sat front row at Richard Quinn’s show in 2018.
Before the catwalk began, the King toured a series of sustainable fashion installations in the basement of 180 Studios. The exhibition brought together designers, innovators and material pioneers exploring how fashion might evolve – with displays highlighting British craftsmanship and innovation, including work connected to Stella McCartney’s ongoing push for more responsible materials.
And somehow, Fevvers found itself among them.
When His Majesty arrived at our stand, the conversation began in a way that felt entirely natural.
James mentioned that the King is widely known as a keen gardener, suggesting he might appreciate the idea of a decorative material grown from plants rather than taken from animals. That seemed to land well. His Majesty was generous with his time, curious about how the material works, and genuinely interested in the idea of a British start-up building plant-based alternatives at the highest levels of fashion.
Then, perhaps unwisely, James closed the conversation with a small piece of salesmanship.
“If you happen to know any important ladies with an occasion to wear a posh frock… you know where to come.”
There was a pause. Then a very audible laugh.
“You’re good at sales,” the King replied.
We’ll take that.
After the tour, the King took his seat front row beside designer Tolu Coker and Stella McCartney for Tolu Coker’s AW26 show – a moment that quietly signalled the importance of sustainability and innovation within British fashion.
For a young company rooted in sustainability and system change, moments like this matter. Not because of status, but because of what they signal: that material innovation is moving from the fringes of fashion conversation into the centre of it.
The fashion industry has always evolved through new ideas – new silhouettes, new technologies, new materials. What feels different now is the growing recognition that sustainability and innovation are no longer side conversations. They are becoming part of the main stage.
To see that reflected in a visit like this was quietly encouraging.
Another surreal moment in what has already been a remarkable year for Fevvers – and another reminder that the conversation about materials, ethics and design is only just beginning.
