LFW AW25 - Noon By Noor - A Celebration Of Tailoring And Architectural Influence
Luxury womenswear brand Noon by Noor, founded in 2008 by Bahraini cousins Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa, returned to London Fashion Week with a striking AW25 collection. Rooted in a refined appreciation of masculinity in womenswear, the brand once again delivered on its signature aesthetic - tailored blazers and structured silhouettes - while weaving in inspiration from Bahrain’s cultural and architectural landscape.
Architectural Inspiration Meets Wearable Elegance
For AW25, Noon by Noor drew inspiration from the work of Swiss architect Christian Kerez, particularly his car park structures in Bahrain, which have evolved into unexpected cultural hubs. This influence was reflected in the collection’s sculptural elegance, featuring sharp-shouldered blazers, asymmetrical cuts, and layered fabric panels that conveyed depth and dimension. Elements of power dressing were redefined through cinched waists, oversized coats, fluid dresses, and draped skirts, blending rigidity with softness. The pieces exuded confidence and sophistication, reinforcing the brand’s ethos of combining structure with fluidity. High-neck blouses, wide-leg trousers, and statement outerwear further emphasised the contemporary take on professional attire, allowing pieces to transition seamlessly from day to night.
Further expanding on the architectural influence, the collection incorporated structured layering, where voluminous outerwear was meticulously styled over sleek, form-fitting pieces. This interplay between sharp and soft lines mirrored the industrial yet organic aspects of Kerez’s work, highlighting depth and movement in each look.
A Monochrome Base with a Pop of Lime
Noon by Noor stayed true to its signature neutral palette, showcasing an array of black, beige, and earthy tones. However, a striking pop of lime green provided a modern contrast, infusing the collection with unexpected vibrancy. Luxurious fabrics such as structured wool, fluid silk, and textured knits enhanced the depth and movement of the designs, adding to their versatility and timeless appeal. The variation of materials, from stiff tweed to soft draping silks, aligned seamlessly with the ‘Office Siren’ trend - a refined take on power dressing that expresses identity and attitude through sophisticated yet subtly sultry silhouettes. Accompanying the sumptuous collection were staggering, patent stilettos ranging from black to white dependent on the colour being worn. The glossy finish created continuity with the lacquered flooring and this blend helped emphasise focus on the collection at hand. Upholding an air of professionalism, each model who posed in a variation of skirt or dress which required the legs to be exposed wore black, sheer tights.
To further accentuate the contrast within the collection, the designers played with layering in a way that felt both effortless and intentional. Heavy wool coats with bold lapels were styled over flowing midi dresses, while structured vests cinched at the waist created a striking juxtaposition against wide-legged trousers. The lime green accents strategically appeared on linings, lapel details, and accessories, offering a refreshing burst of colour that energised the muted base tones.
Power Dressing, Redefined
Tailoring remained at the forefront, with structured blazers taking centre stage. The designers played with volume and cinched waists, creating pieces that exuded confidence and sophistication. Oversized coats, fluid dresses, and draped skirts balanced strength with softness, staying true to the brand’s ethos of blending masculine and feminine elements.
Some looks were paired with a hand-held accessory such as a small clutch or purse which was either held with an extended arm down the side of the body or in a flexed position tight towards the chest. This successfully mixed up the overall silhouette of the collection, adding interest and variation. Accessorisation was only evident in the beige section of the runway, adding a new and dynamic element. Other models throughout the show held their clothes in different ways to create different illusions. This could be seen by the women in oversized trenches who clutched the two pieces of fabric together forming a tight-shaped fist with the right hand to control the movement of the coat whilst the left hand was concealed in the pocket of the trench.
To complement the stylish apparel on the runway were extreme lip colours, which left a lasting impression. The black outfits were enhanced by a daring black lip; one model dramatising contrasts with bleached white eyebrows. Another stand out use of cosmetics was the reappearance of a classic scarlet red lip throughout the show which pulled together the image of work apparel and high-fashion. The bold lipstick reinforced the vitality of feminine expression in a predominantly male-dominated sector, reminding spectators that women can bring both beauty and brains to the office.
Aside from makeup, the hairstyling was another crucial element that solidified the presentation of grace and fierceness which was being portrayed. Each model with long hair was slicked down with gel in a dramatic and sharp side parting, drawing attention to their faces which were composed of model-like heavy-set brows and angular cheekbones. This hairstyle created the illusion of a sweeping side fringe which was then tucked behind the ears and suspended down the back to exemplify the décolletage. Styling choices that established a sense of cohesion and unity between the models who, despite wearing different outfits, resembled a strong troupe.
A Runway That Amplified the Vision
The runway setting amplified the collection’s vision, staged in Somerset House with a reflective black laminate floor that created an ethereal double-image effect. The grand columns and arched windows framed the models as they walked, enhancing the sculptural nature of the garments. Two benches stretched the length of the intimate room, creating a transverse stage for the models to inhabit. Adding to the dramatic presentation, models moved with deliberate, almost statuesque, pace ensuring that each garment’s intricate details were highly visible. The strategic pacing allowed the audience to appreciate the craftsmanship, from the clean seams of the tailored pieces to the fluid drape of the skirts.
They entered from the back of the room and then once they reached the top by the eager photographers they looped around a large pillar in the centre of the room which they utilised as their turning point. They worked effectively with the space, allowing their designs to be showcased from all angles so that the audience could absorb every small attention to detail. The bright white spotlights helped reflect the outfits and made the lighter-toned colour palette pop, casting subtle yet powerful shadows which intensified the sharp edges of the designs. The models embodied the essence of modern professional women - confident, elegant, and undeniably commanding.
Noon by Noor’s AW25 collection was a masterclass in contemporary elegance, showcasing how architectural influences can seamlessly translate into wearable fashion. With impeccably tailored pieces, a striking runway setting, and a palette that balanced neutrals with bold accents, the brand solidified its position as a key player in luxury womenswear, redefining the boundaries of femininity in the modern world. By merging strong silhouettes with fluidity, the collection proved that fashion can be both powerful and poetic, much like the architectural marvels that inspired it.
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