What better way to close out a drizzly Sunday evening than with a Jawara Alleyne party in partnership with Dazed. Following the Caribbean designer’s SS25 show ‘Island Underground’ – a collection inspired by the experiences and shared cultural identities of those from the Cayman Islands, where Alleyne himself is from – drinks were flowing from the moment the final model left the catwalk.

RIRI RUMOURS

Hosted in the industrial Dazed Space basement and supported by 180 Studios, red lighting illuminated the sparse walls, allowing just enough light to identify familiar faces, but (thankfully) concealing any mid-fashion week eyebags. Throughout the course of the weekend, rumours of an appearance from Rihanna had swirled among the fashion crowd. Previously crowned the star’s ‘favourite fashion designer’, Alleyne’s guests eagerly awaited a grand entrance. Though Riri may have left us disappointed, moments before the show started, former Dazed cover star Normani dashed in – glam squad in tow. Post-show, the singer stuck around for the party. Posing as cameras flashed and Nelly Futardo blasted through the speakers. Joining her was model Alva Claire, musicians CKTRL and John Glacier, artists Alvaro Barrington and Bee Beardsworth, Dazed’s own Ib Kamara and Gareth Wrighton, plus London nightlife royalty Princess Julia and Miss Jason. 

FEELING THIRSTY 

It goes without saying that by the Sunday evening of London Fashion Week, most people are ready for a drink. With only one more day of shows to go, a Monday morning hangover was well worth it for the Engine Gin cocktails (the classic ‘Engine G&T’, the ‘Nitroni’ featuring red vermouth and bitters, plus the ‘Ginger Engine’, with Fever-Tree ginger beer, lime and sage, all served aesthetically in the brand’s tin cans). Maybe it was the gin or maybe it was the vibes, but within the first 30 minutes a dance circle had formed and DJ Vivendii Sound had hips moving to Janet Jackson hits.

DANCE IT OUT 

After Vivendii Sound's set, DJs Drybabe and Hasani carried us into the night with the help of noughties R&B classics. Despite being held in the basement, the joy could have raised the roof of 180’s towering, multistorey space. As inhibitions were washed down at the bar, dance moves got bigger and guests sweat away their anxieties. Outside, when the rain eventually stopped, a crowd gathered to cool off in the smoking area – notoriously, the place to meet new characters and to reconnect with old. Together, Alleyne and Dazed brought us a fashion week afterparty that energised even the tiredest of show goers. An unpretentious, accidental danceathon featuring nostalgic throwback tracks, a dimly-lit basement and Normani. What more could you want? 

With thanks to Engine Gin.