H&M and SHOWstudio Debut Interactive Tech at AW26 Show

H&M returned to London Fashion Week on September 18, 2026, with a show developed in collaboration with Nick Knight's SHOWstudio. Titled 'H&M&YOU&I', the event at Kensington Olympia aimed to use technology to explore human connection and make fashion more accessible.

Nick Knight stated his belief that fashion must constantly change. "I’m excited that H&M shares that vision," he said. The show opened with a performance by Brazilian ballerina Ingrid Silva.

A Romantic Collaboration with SHOWstudio

The interactive technology featured was over a year in the making. It began with fashion imagery from Nick Knight and illustrations by artist Cliff Warner. The digital tools were designed to amplify artists' visions without replacing human craft.

During a segment with model Alex Consani and actor Archie Renaux, interactive screens allowed them to engage with the digital imagery behind them. Another interactive display used Warner's work to mirror models as artistic figurines on the runway. The technology intentionally included a slight delay at times. Knight explained this was a deliberate choice to embrace imperfection. "We’re not perfect; imperfection is what makes humanity beautiful," he said.

Three Collections in One Show

The runway presentation was split into several sections, featuring multiple collections from the brand. Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M's Creative Advisor and Head of Design Womenswear, described the Autumn/Winter 2026 collections as being all about eclecticism.

She said each drop presents a vision dedicated to self-expression and rule-breaking. The show adopted a See Now, Buy Now model. The first drop of the womenswear Autumn 2026 collection and the H&M Atelier menswear collection became available online immediately after the show.

The Cast and Performances

The model lineup included prominent names such as Paloma Elsesser, Lila Moss, Angelina Kendall, and Alva Claire. The show featured mother-daughter runway moments with Kristen McMenamy and Karen Elson walking right after their daughters, Lily McMenamy and Scarlett White.

British artist Labrinth, seated in the front row, gave a surprise performance. He performed a rendition of I Want to Know What Love Is and curated the entire show soundtrack. Labrinth described the project as blending genres and eras, blurring the lines between what’s physical and what’s digital.

The front row included attendees like Myha’la, fakemink, singer Tems, Audrey Nuna, Grace Van Patten, and Cruz Beckham. Following the show, the venue hosted an afterparty with sets by Kim Petras back-to-back with u.r.trax, and artists from Foundation.FM's community.