London Fashion Week’s SS26 season opened with a bang yesterday evening (September 18) – complete with giant gold confetti canons – as cult New York streetwear label Sprayground celebrated its 15th anniversary in the UK capital. 

Founder and creative director David BenDavid marked the occasion with a special one-off show in London, switching from the brand’s usual NYC hub. “This show was more than a debut; it’s a cultural statement,” explained BenDavid. “London is a city with incredible energy and a fashion scene that embraces individuality and fearless self-expression – values that are at the core of Sprayground. I’m thrilled we got to share our vision with the world from one of the most iconic stages in fashion.” From sharks galore to an appearance from model Leomie Anderson, here’s what went down. 

THE CAMEOS KEPT US GUESSING

The show got off to an unexpected start when it opened with a troupe of contemporary dancers and drummers. After they’d performed, the first model to appear was New York-based musician and Sprayground’s creative director of content, Sandflower, who arrived wearing a sculptural black and white ensemble. Elsewhere, it was refreshing to see a significant number of older models walk the runway, though it was supermodel Leomie Anderson who closed the show. Other performances throughout the show came from the likes of Phoenix Brown, Jack Fox, Virginia Bates, and Roxy Horner. 

SHARKS AND SHOULDER PADS

As for the clothes, there was no shortage of sharks in this show. Over the past 15 years, Sprayground has become known for its signature shark mouth-design backpacks, which appeared in various iterations. Teddy bears were also a common motif – jackets came down the runway covered completely in tiny teddies (not printed on, but actually sewn-on 3D bears), while other recurring patterns included dog tooth and checkered designs. Several looks were balloon-like, with huge, swollen arms and shoulders. One suit looked to be made entirely of dollar bills, meanwhile shoes came in the form of skyhigh metallic platform boots. Luggage also featured heavily throughout via the classic shark backpacks and golden suitcases. The collection also teased upcoming partnerships with Porsche and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. 

MAKE UP TO REMEMBER 

The hair and makeup made just as much of an impact as the clothes. Hair came both slicked back and styled to the heavens (think Dennis the Menace), in neon shades of green and pink. No two models were exactly alike, some with zigzags painted across their face, others with Joker-inspired lipstick. In some cases, either the hair or the sculptural clothes were so big that models had to exit the catwalk sideways. 

A FINALE LIKE NO OTHER

After the last model exited the catwalk, a choir dressed all in white emerged, before Sandflower reappeared performing her song “I Can’t Stop”. The models walked the finale whilst the musician danced between them. When BenDavid came out to take his bow, giant canons blasted the audience with gold confetti. What a way to open LFW.