Joan Collins, the well-known actress, praised the fashion collection as “very chic” and expressed interest in a graceful ivory evening dress with caped shoulders. Kemi Badenoch, a UK government minister, is considering a classic black tuxedo jacket. If the British public shares the enthusiasm of the celebrity front row, Marks & Spencer’s (M&S) first-ever London fashion week catwalk could be a success. The show, held at the Design Museum for 310 guests including former footballers Ian Wright and Jamie Carragher, was a mutual gamble. The event aimed to bridge the gap between high fashion and everyday wear, though concerns were raised about whether fashion critics would be comfortable with practical designs like elasticated waistbands and rainwear, and whether M&S customers would be turned off by high-end items like £2,000 handbags and impractical shoes. M&S’s womenswear director, Maddy Evans, described the style message as “fashion with a small f, not a capital F,” emphasizing a more accessible and relatable approach. The collection introduced new elements such as sharp kilts instead of flouncy tiered skirts and low-rise slouchy denim replacing the popular mom jeans, but stayed within a “before-the-watershed” comfort level, avoiding overly provocative or controversial designs. Some catwalk theatre was added, including revealing elements like a very short skirt and semi-visible nipples, along with modern touches like faux fur stoles and sunglasses inspired by singer Charli XCX. The real standout feature of the collection was its affordability. All the clothes went on sale as the show began on Friday, with half of the pieces priced under £50. The most expensive item, a leather coat, will retail for £450. This approach aligns with the current need for accessible fashion, especially during a cost of living crisis. The collection aims to show that catwalk style is for everyone, not just the elite. M&S is now ranked second in style perception, behind Zara. “That’s exactly where we want to be,” said Evans. “Zara are the cutting edge of fashion, and we are fashion for everybody.” The show featured models of a broad range of ages and body sizes, chosen to reflect M&S’s 23 million customers. The collection also included nods to the brand’s history, such as a twinset reworked as a cardigan over a knitted camisole and a sage-green lace two-piece set inspired by M&S’s lingerie legacy. After the show, Wright and Carragher shared a fashion week version of an M&S “picky tea,” featuring smoked salmon finger sandwiches and champagne on silver trays. The event was a bold statement about how M&S sees itself, reflecting a renewed style confidence following successful fashion hits like suede loafers that could pass for Saint Laurent and a sellout collaboration with Bella Freud.