Everything that Ashish Gupta does is political. His spring 2026 show was a great reminder that immigrants like him are what help London continue to be the creative hub of the world, masterfully blending multicultural elements through a fresh lens.

Following an online callout with over 300 applicants, Gupta orchestrated a diverse and lively lineup of dancers/characters marching down the runway in his latest sequin and Shibori tie-dye combo manifestations. These pieces were loud, glamorous, camp and full of life. One can easily believe these models can go straight to a party after the show and dance till the next morning.

Gupta said the unmatched energy that they brought to the show would be hard to describe in words. “I just needed to communicate something really visceral, and it had to be done through body language and creating a mood that would resonate with where we are in the world,” he added.

Also on offer were shimmering knits, graffiti T-shirts, a heavily beaded rainbow color fringe dress, a multicolor tiered ruffle dress that looks like a cupcake, as well as a sneak peek of his upcoming Designers at Debenhams collaboration, which included a maxi faux-fur coat, a swirl print minidress, and a sequin print bias skirt.

Backstage, the designer stressed the importance of fighting back amid a world that’s turning right. “You have to find joy in the saddest places. You don’t give up. You have to double down and fight. It’s all about that,” he added.