The Power of Icon: Fashion, Music and Purpose at London Fashion Week

September 17, 2025

London, UK – When the lights go down at London’s historic Troxy, This Is Icon will once again redefine what London Fashion Week can mean. Now in its eighth year, the high-octane gala is more than a runway show: it is a philanthropic platform where emerging designers, established icons, and next-generation performers share the stage in a celebration of creativity and purpose.

Founded by Helen Georgio, CEO and Founder of This Is Icon and multi-award-winning agency Buzz Talent, the event was conceived as a cultural movement rather than another industry party. Unlike traditional fashion week showcases, This Is Icon is an all-night immersive experience. Since its inception in 2018, the event has championed rising talent, raised awareness for charitable causes, and reinvested proceeds directly into supporting designers, models, and artists and giving them free shows at LONDON FASHION WEEK (on schedule ) Every ticket and sponsorship fuels future opportunities – from model training to designer showcases, and music performances on a global stage . This ensures, the event’s legacy is one of impact as much as glamour.

This year’s chosen stage, The Troxy, is itself an icon: an Art Deco masterpiece in East London with a history of hosting legends. For one night only, it transforms into one of the world’s most important runways, uniting fashion, music, philanthropy, and culture under one roof.

Fashion Line-Up

The 2025 showcase is its most ambitious yet, headlined by Stuart Trevor (co-founder of AllSaints and REES) alongside House of Aristocrats, Laura Wildish, Mirela Birzan, Zekaryas Solomon, and Sophia Sutton. Each designer brings a distinct creative vision, collectively reflecting the diversity, daring, and innovation that define This Is Icon. Sustainability and upcycling is the message .

Music & Performance

Fashion may set the stage, but music provides the pulse. The night’s performances include:

Sam Bailey – X Factor winner 2013.
Lindsay Moore
The Light Angels – Lois Winstone and Maria Rubio
MD Productions – the powerhouse dance troupe from Britain’s Got Talent
Maria Rubia – international singer-songwriter
So Solid Crew/KING PINS – legendary UK garage collective
Tee Green – soulful performer
Harrison James – breakout artist to watch

DJ Bently will be flying in from Ibiza to hit the decks for the afterparty.

Together, they promise to deliver an unforgettable soundtrack to the night.

The Icon Awards

The evening also celebrates changemakers with the Icon Awards, recognising those who have used their platforms to inspire and uplift. The 2025 honourees include:

David Haye – World Champion boxer and role model beyond the ring
Susan Boyle – Global vocal powerhouse and story of perseverance
Christine McGuinness – Advocate for autism awareness
Sam Bailey – X Factor winner, 2013, who will also perform live on the night
Gillian Ashcroft – Philanthropist and advocate for empowerment
Denise Welch – Actress and mental health champion
Tamzin Outhwaite – Acclaimed actress and cultural icon

In addition, a Surprise Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to a special celebrity guest on the night — an honour that will only be revealed during the event itself.

Manhunt x This is Icon

As part of this year’s celebrations, This Is Icon will also host a special segment in partnership with Manhunt UK, one of the world’s longest-running international male model competitions. For over 27 years, Manhunt has been dedicated to discovering the next generation of global supermodels, with winners progressing to represent their countries on the world stage. At the 2025 gala, the UK finalist will be selected by a distinguished judging panel, with the opportunity to compete in the Manhunt International World Final in Sri Lanka later this year. This collaboration underscores ICON’s commitment to providing platforms for rising talent at every level of the fashion industry.

Auction & Philanthropy

This year’s auction proceeds will directly support This Is Icon’s mission of providing designers, music artists, and models with a free platform each year. By reinvesting funds into future showcases, the event ensures the next generation of talent has the chance to shine on a global stage.

Partners

Partners include Taittinger, AYOZAT MEDIA, Sushique, Backstage Beauty LDN, Hair By Harry , IG Capital, Join Talent, The blooming Collection , Manhunt UK , Ultra Vault , Vandas Kitchen Walk London ,James Burden , AK group ,Buzz talent , chase communications and others.

Founder’s Statement

Helen Georgio, CEO and Founder of This Is Icon and Buzz Talent, said:

“We do this because talent deserves a stage. It’s about taking someone with a vision, someone whose voice might otherwise go unheard, and placing them shoulder-to-shoulder with global icons. By championing emerging talent on a world stage, we don’t just celebrate creativity — we create futures. Icon is where we honour those who paved the way and give space to those who are coming next. That’s what makes this more than just a show — it makes it a movement.”

Event Details

📍 The Troxy, London

📅 Saturday 20th September 2025

Notes to Editors

This Is Icon is an official British Fashion Council-listed London Fashion Week event.
Proceeds from this year’s auction will fund future platforms and shows for emerging creative talent.
Media assets, photography, and interview opportunities are available upon request.