WHERE DIASPORA MEETS TAILORING: LABRUM AW26 AT LONDON FASHION WEEK

Mar 18

By Sonia Ihuoma

At this season’s London Fashion Week, LABRUM London presented its Autumn/Winter 2026 collection Threads of Osmosis, a runway that explored migration, cultural exchange, and the continuous evolution of identity. Through tailoring, texture, and storytelling, the show reflected on how culture moves across borders, shaping communities and histories along the way.

Founded in 2014 by creative director Foday Dumbuya, LABRUM London has built its identity around the experiences of the West African diaspora. Growing up between Sierra Leone, Cyprus, and London, Dumbuya developed a design language that merges British tailoring with West African references, creating garments that feel both rooted in heritage and open to global influence.

With Threads of Osmosis, the runway became a space where fabrics, like people, travelled across cultures. Tailored silhouettes remained central to the collection, but they were layered with global references. Sierra Leonean-inspired prints appeared alongside Japanese denim, while textured raffia details and intricate embroidery added depth to the garments. Each piece carried a sense of movement, reflecting stories of migration, family, and exchange.

Hair and beauty played a significant role in the visual narrative of the show. Sculptural braids, coils, and layered textures echoed themes of resilience and identity, transforming traditional hairstyles into sculptural elements that complemented the garments. The looks, balanced structure, and fluidity reinforce the idea that identity is never static but constantly shaped by experience.

The atmosphere of the runway was further defined by the music of Ghanaian highlife legend Ebo Taylor. The warm, nostalgic tones of the soundtrack created a rhythm that connected past and present, reminding the audience that culture does not remain fixed; it travels, adapts, and evolves.

Alongside the collection, LABRUM also previewed its upcoming collaboration with Adidas, hinting at a future where performance wear and cultural storytelling intersect. The partnership continues the brand’s ongoing exploration of movement, travel, and identity.

More than a presentation of garments, Threads of Osmosis felt like a reflection on belonging. Through thoughtful design and layered references, LABRUM once again demonstrated that fashion can act as a bridge between histories, communities, and cultures.

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Mosaiko mag

Born out of a need for connection during the covid pandemic, MOSAIKO aims to move, inspire and unite. While amplifying the voices of those underrepresented. With an emphasis on the Diaspora’s perspectives and authenticity. We let the passions of the people speak and help share their stories.

WHERE DIASPORA MEETS TAILORING: LABRUM AW26 AT LONDON FASHION WEEK

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