Ahluwalia Spring/Summer 2025 / SS25 at London Fashion Week entitled Home Sweet Home. A celebration of the soulful ties between identity and home.
Echoes of belonging, the pull of distant memories, and a secure sense of self—Ahluwalia Spring/Summer 2025 / SS25 collection serves as an homage to the profound ties that bind us to our roots. Inspired by the stories of those who have traversed continents, the collection reflects on the emotional landscapes of migration, the lingering call of ancestral homes, and the delicate balance between past and present. Through this exploration, the designer reimagines the concept of home, intertwining personal history with artistic expression to create a collection that resonates with one’s deepest longings.
Blending traditional and contemporary influences, the evocative offering centres on the recognition of home as both a basic human right; a sanctuary offering physical and emotional comfort. For Creative Director Priya Ahluwalia, a transformative trip to Jamaica prompted a reflective examination of her Indian-Nigerian heritage and family home upon her return. Moved by a woman in her ‘80s, whose abode, crafted by her late husband and filled with memories, left a profound impact, Priya’s reflections were further shaped by her Nana’s enduring emotional pull to India, despite living in England for over 50 years. The exploration of homecoming is further brought to life through various techniques and fabrics.
Influenced by the work of Peruvian artist and writer Jorge Eielson, much of Ahluwalia SS25 collection’s pieces feature panelled fabrics which have been drawn, knotted, pleated and pulled across the body, signifying the emotional and physical pull of home that individuals experience as they navigate the world. Infusing Home Sweet Home with the nostalgic comfort of fluffy viscose yarn, Ahluwalia SS25 offers a unique collection of pieces that intertwine personal history with innovative design.
Indeed, tailored suits crafted from deadstock Chloe fabric merge refined elegance with the brand’s commitment to sustainability, while embellished two-piece woven dresses introduce layers of intricate texture and depth. Tile and checkerboard patterns on jersey dresses add a fresh dynamic to classic silhouettes; viscose dresses cascade with effortless grace. Meanwhile, Ahluwalia Spring/Summer 2025 collection’s knits and tank tops deliver a playful nod to vibrant gradients and textured effects.
Elevating the narrative, new print designs—including floral and leaf motifs inspired by the wallpaper in Priya’s grandparents’ first home in the UK—infuse the range with personal history. Dresses are distinguished by a unique lace-up detail along the open seam, while tops crafted from vintage doilies are adorned with beading. On the men’s side, the line features matching two-piece sets with home-inspired patterns, enriched by vertical stripes and tile and checkerboard motifs. The tactile allure of raffia in knit, woven, and jersey styles introduces visual and material variety, while beaded wigs and embellishments on evening shirts, tailoring, and asymmetrical draped tops evoke the traditional wooden curtains found in Nigerian doorways.
Ahluwalia places a significant emphasis on colour for another season, Ahluwalia SS25 debuting a palette that highlights the warmth, nostalgia, and comfort associated with home. Shades of ecru, terracotta, amber, and browns draw from the earth and natural material; dusty pinks, bright khaki, sky blues, and blacks provide further balance, bringing a sense of tranquillity and grounding. Ombre effects and finishes add sophistication to the range, creating a collection that is both visually rich and reminiscent of the brand’s continued dedication to weaving together personal and cultural stories.
Combining music with personal reminiscence, the seasonal presentation sees Ahluwalia team up with Amsterdam-based collective MassiveMusic, Nigerian artist and close collaborator Adekunle Gold, and his producer Michael Seyifunmi, to craft an immersive soundscape that weaves together artistry from around the world. From the beeping horns of Indian traffic and the rumble of London’s underground, to the sizzling sounds of frying pans, and authentic Afrobeat vocals, the soundtrack is a tribute to the diverse auditory landscapes that reinforce our ties to places.
Blending classical and modern Arabic music, MassiveMusic’s collaboration with Syrian-Dutch Kanun instrumentalist Shaza Manla is elevated by a live performance. The track, which features Afrobeats, Bollywood, and garage samples, adds depth to the piece, resulting in a nuanced auditory experience reflective of Priya’s upbringing, as models showcase the collection.
Speaking on his involvement, Adekunle Gold comments: “I’ve loved Ahluwalia’s work for some time now so I was excited to collaborate with Priya on this project, bringing together two of my biggest passions, music and fashion. You’ll hear influences from Nigeria with the talking drums, combined with influences from Priya’s Indian heritage and British upbringing to create a whole new rhythm. It’s such a special soundscape both sonically and creatively and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”
In its role as a principal partner, Pandora’s jewellery for Ahluwalia’s show deepens its tribute to Indian-Nigerian traditions by incorporating traditional stacking and layering techniques. Reminiscent of ancestral paintings, models are adorned with rings, necklaces, and bracelets crafted using 14k yellow gold, colourful artificial crystals and treated freshwater cultured pearls. Furthermore, the PUMA Speedcat sneaker, a favourite silhouette of Priya Ahluwalia, graces a curated selection of looks, infusing a sleek athletic touch into the Ahluwalia Spring/Summer 2025 / SS25 collection.
For Ahluwalia’s SS25 show, Church House is transformed into a stage that tells a story of home and heritage. Vintage Persian and Indian rugs—graciously provided by Shame Studios—line the runway in a patchwork style, evoking a sense of nostalgia and familiarity that resonates with many. Enriching the atmosphere, a beaded curtain with dried chillies and marigolds echoes traditional Indian and Nigerian kitchens, while the space’s architectural charm serves as a peaceful, contemplative ambiance that invites a deep sense of belonging.
Home Sweet Home is a collection that captures the richness of memory, migration, and the desire/search for belonging—a universal tribute to the homes we carry within us.
About Ahluwalia, Multi-award-winning label Ahluwalia was launched in 2018 by Priya Ahluwalia. Ahluwalia represents the intersection between near and far, past and present. The label combines elements from the designer’s dual Indian-Nigerian heritage and London roots. It explores the potential of vintage and surplus clothing by giving existing material a new life through various textile and patchwork techniques. This means that many Ahluwalia pieces are one of a kind. Inspired by art, music and literature, much of the work created by Ahluwalia go beyond her collections and include collaborative campaigns, books and films. Ahluwalia is deemed as a pioneer in the fashion industry and is regularly featured in press from all over the world, from the New York Times and i-D to Vogue and many more. Ahluwalia is available in renowned stores worldwide, including Matches Fashion, Browns, Bergdorf Goodman, Ssense and Nordstrom. ahluwalia.world @ahluwalia
All images Ahluwalia Spring/Summer 2025 / SS25 by Ahluwalia. Credits to: Creative Director Priya Ahluwalia, Stylist Nell Kalonji, Stylist Consultant Rebecca Perlmutar, Casting Director Troy Casting, Hair Stylist Issac Poleon, Makeup Artist: Mata Marielle, Manicurist Cherrie Snow, Prop Stylist Grace Snellock, Production: Little Giant Productions, PR Karla Otto, Words Sanj Patel, Runway Photographer Stefan Knauer and Olivier Caisse, Backstage Photographer Jason Llyod-Evans, Lighting LightLab, Video DUCK Productions, Music & Sound design: MassiveMusic in collaboration with Adekunle Gold & Michael Seryifunmi, MassiveMusic Cece Wyldeck, Jasper Slijderink & Friso Hoekstra, Kanun Instrumentalist Shaza Manla.