Second-hand fashion took centre stage at the LFW Oxfam x Vinted Runway Show, a fantastic opening to London Fashion Week SS26 that carried a powerful message: Wear the Change. For me, it was also a moment that spoke directly to my philosophy of Wear Your Values.
My younger self was immediately drawn to the boho-inspired styles and looks that carried an effortless elegance without the pretentiousness that often comes with the “quiet luxury” label. I want style with substance and a bit of attitude – The Oxfam x Vinted show styled by Bay Garnet did exactly that.
Why the LFW Oxfam x Vinted Runway Show Was Important
The LFW Oxfam x Vinted Runway Show, styled by thrifting pioneer Bay Garnett, was part of Oxfam’s annual Second Hand September campaign. Hosted at Ambika P3 art gallery, it spotlighted the creativity and credibility of pre-loved fashion at a moment when London Fashion Week has often been criticised for exclusivity and excess.
What set this show apart was how accessible it felt. Nothing looked like a second-best alternative. Instead, it was polished, full of character and wearable. For years, second-hand was thought of as second best. Now, there’s a cultural shift. When someone compliments your look, it feels good to reply: “Thanks, I found it second-hand.”
This shift is more than anecdotal. Oxfam research (August 2025) revealed that most clothes in the UK are worn fewer than five times before spending the rest of their lives in people’s wardrobes. The global fashion industry is on track to produce 138 billion unworn clothes each year by 2050 (Oxfam UK report). It’s a staggering figure, and one of the reasons the show is so important – proving second-hand fashion can be reimagined and restyled into looks that feel aspirational.
Standout Looks: Style for Change LFW Oxfam x Vinted Runway SHOW
Among the celebration of looks of the decades past, there were many memorable outfits, but only a few stood out to me for their mix of creativity, wearability and effortlessness.
Florals with Gold Accents (50s Meets Modern Layering)
Paralympian Kadeena Cox walked in a floral dress layered over a crisp white shirt. Styled with gold platform heels and a walking cane, it was a strong and beautiful look. The belted waist and full skirt gave a subtle nod to the 1950s apron dress. The bold florals, layering, with metallic accessories gave it a modern 2020s look – giving me edgy Erdem vibes.
Grey Shorts & Fur Coat (60s Playfulness)
The grey shorts and green top combination, layered with a fur coat and paired with red boots, brought a sense of 1960s mod playfulness. The colour pop and texture clash made it feel fun, youthful and sharp – another excellent styling combo by Garnet.
Pink Romance (70s Ethereal)
This look was stunning, that semi-sheer pink dress with gold accents, brought an ethereal lightness to the runway. It was pre-loved fashion styled in a way that felt aspirational and timeless. The floaty layers and metallic detailing channelled 1970s bohemian romance. I absolutely loved the pink and gold, the details, texture – everything about this look captivated me.
Fur & White Dress (70s Glamour)
Another 1970s-inspired look: with a fur coat layered over a white dress, styled with platforms. It was a glamorous nod to the decade of love, drama and texture, but polished enough to feel relevant today.
Texture LUXE (70s)
Laura Bailey | Photo Credit: Oxfam
Laura Bailey also looked incredible in this tweed coat with brown trousers and a platform combo. Here, Bay Garnet demonstrates her skill for mixing and matching fabrics and prints. Everything about this colour combination and texture is perfection.
Sheer-DRAMA (80s)
I actually like the drama of this simple black maxi skirt dress with sheer sleeves and a feather detail. Munroe Bergdorf looked stunning with the gentle volume and statement neckline; the look channelled the 1980s flair for excess, but reworked in a way that felt elegant and modern.
Power DRESSING (80s)
This look was fierce, a structured red double-breasted blazer with tapered black trousers and pointed heels – high contrast and timeless. Unapologetic boldness, it was pure 1980s power dressing – reimagined for today’s runway.
Black Frills & Boots (80s Gothic Edge)
A fierce look executed flawlessly. By styling up the ruffles of the black dress with thigh-high boots, the contrast balances out the extremes. The frills and gothic undertones evoked a distinctly 1980s gothic/punk edge, especially with all the silver rings on each finger.
Boho-Grunge (90s Revival)
I loved the 1990s boho-grunge mood, with a playsuit styled under leather layers, those slouchy boots with buckles and a hat. It had that Kate Moss/Sienna Miller energy – carefree, layered, and confident – straight from the era that defined high-low festival style.
Other Noteworthy Outfits
Beyond the main style highlights for me, Fehinti Balogun impressed in brown trousers and braces. Grace Clover looked chic in a black dress and boots, and Charity Wakefield added elegance in an off-the-shoulder velvet dress with heels.
One of my favourite men’s looks happened to be Brett Staniland’s long brown leather jacket and cream shirt reflected a 1970s vibe. Clean, minimal, and timeless — the kind of outfit that proves circular fashion works across decades.
Star Power at the Oxfam x Vinted Runway Show LFW
Supporting from the front row was Jameela Jamil, Oxfam’s Second Hand Ambassador, who looked effortlessly chic in a belted blazer, maxi skirt and oversized shades — edgy yet elegant, my favourite combination.
The show was strengthened by its star-studded and diverse cast. Chart-topping singer Sam Ryder, presenter and activist Katie Piper, Paralympic champion Kadeena Cox, model Munroe Bergdorf and Scottish model and actor Eunice Olumide MBE all walked the runway. A surprise at the start of the show saw Emma Willis open the event, showcasing looks from a young designer (the winner) from a new show soon to be aired on TV.
The LFW models cast for the show also included Sabrina Grant, Jade Parfitt (walking with her daughter Silver), BAFTA-winning costume designer Sandy Powell CBE, Natalia Chew, Grace and Cass Clover, Laura Bailey, Charity Wakefield, Greta Bellamancina and Louise Boyce.
This diverse mix of talent proved that pre-loved fashion is not only accessible but also aspirational. It doesn’t require compromise. Instead, it offers an opportunity to express our identity and values in powerful ways.
Reflections on the OXFAM X VINTED Sustainable Fashion SHOW
What excites me about the LFW Oxfam x Vinted Runway Show is how it ties into the bigger picture of circular fashion. We are finally moving away from the throwaway culture of fast fashion towards a system where clothes are valued, worn and recirculated.
Quotes from those involved echoed this shift. Sam Ryder said: “I love pulling unique looks together from vintage and second-hand pieces, which make up a large portion of my wardrobe.” Kadeena Cox added: “Wearing pre-loved pieces feels good because it’s a simple way to make a positive statement.” And Munroe Bergdorf reminded us: “Choosing second-hand is a powerful way to challenge fast fashion culture.”
As Bay Garnett herself put it: “Second-hand fashion isn’t just a trend, it’s a movement reshaping the industry for good. This show proves that choosing pre-loved isn’t just the future, it’s the now.”
Second-hand fashion show at London Fashion Week
The LFW Oxfam x Vinted Runway Show reinforced something I’ve been advocating for years: style isn’t about trends, it’s about values. Clothes can be chic, modern and aspirational, but they’re most powerful when they reflect who you are and what you believe in. There are so many options in the preloved market – that if you haven’t considered making secondhand your first choice, I hope you will consider it next time you shop.
Whether you’re redefining your wardrobe for everyday life, stepping into a new chapter, or preparing for a major event, I help you align your style with your values. At Roberta Style Lee, I bring over a decade of sustainable styling experience – and a lifetime of experimenting with fashion across the decades – to help women discover a look that feels authentic, confident, and timeless.
I’ve embraced every style era at some point in my journey, but now, in my forties, I’m most excited by creating my own unique take on style – one that balances polish with personality, and values with versatility. That’s the same transformation I love guiding my clients through, because ultimately, style is deeply personal.
