Pleasure was the theme of Greek designer Di Petsa’s AW25 collection, presented yesterday (February 21) at the BFC’s showspace on the Strand. The event was packed with moments primed for internet virality – a model kissing a man sat front row, for example – but it was It-girl Mia Khalifa’s surprise appearance that saw every phone shoot up.
Di Petsa’s AW25 show marks Khalifa’s second catwalk moment, having made her debut for KNWLS in September 2023. She wasn’t the only familiar face there either, with former Dazed cover star Ayra Starr also walking the show, as well as musician and model Tsunaina.
Elsewhere, models could be separated into two categories: saints and sinners, though all of them were motivated by sexual desire. Their skin even glistened with sweat droplets as they walked the catwalk, fanning themselves while draped in Di Petsa’s classic, Grecian-inspired gowns.
While some looks conjured thoughts of Mount Olympus, others swapped heaven for hell with Morticia Addams-like figures and Nosferatu-inspired fingernails. One model flashed a set of pearly fangs at the audience, while the menswear included giant, silk angel wings. Some carried flowers and one model, wearing a white lace mask and matching gown, was surrounded by almost naked men who fell to their knees offering her peace lilies, a symbol of purity.
Elsewhere, lipstick kisses were printed onto the crotch area of white cigarette pants, lace thongs were tied around the neck and arms, bralettes were forged from pages of a book and skirts appeared scandalously ravaged. According to the show notes, the focus of the collection was on the chest area as well as “the two divine centres of pleasure”.
Scrolly through the galley above to see all the backstage action at the show, and stay tuned at Dazed Fashion for more LFW updates.