Merchant Taylors Fashion Runway 2025
Enjoy flourishing new international design talent, the work of young make-up artists and the skill of the models as they show off the creativity and beauty of this genre. Experience the enormous diversity of ideas and styles that constitute the world of fashion. Admire our ancient Hall. Take time to meet the designers and to network.
Our Desingers
EmAble
Based in York, EmAble was founded by a mother and son duo, driven by a shared mission to create innovative fashion for those undergoing treatment and illness. The brand was born from personal experience, following the loss of their daughter and sister, Emily, who passed away at 24 after a battle with brain cancer. Witnessing Emily’s struggles with self-worth and confidence during treatment inspired them to design clothing that provides both comfort and dignity.
The brand was founded on personal experience, drawing inspiration from lived moments and heritage.”
Hollie Lesley Haughin
For young designer Hollie Lesley Haughin, fashion is about more than making a style statement, more even than self-expression through the creation and wearing of beautiful or striking clothing. For Hollie, fashion design is about telling stories and shedding light on life and its challenges
“For young designer Hollie Lesley Haughin, fashion is more than just a style statement-it's a form of expression and storytelling.”
Hayina Cao
Hayina Cao, a 22-year-old fashion student at Central Saint Martins, is based in London and originally from China. She finds inspiration in the fun moments of everyday life, turning them into creative ideas. Using garments as both a medium and a statement, she tells her story and expresses herself through design.
Her design celebrates simple, familiar objects and moments, reimagining them through her unique creative lens. Her work aims to spark curiosity while making the ordinary feel exciting and playful. ”
Jing Ye
Ye grew up in a beautiful seaside town in China, where the gentle rhythm of the ocean and the rich tapestry of traditional Chinese culture deeply shaped her creative vision. From an early age, she developed a passion for design and a dedication to impeccable craftsmanship, always striving to weave the subtle details of her heritage into every piece she creates.
Inspired by classic detective tales and the refined elegance of Sherlock Holmes, Chapter 7 reimagines film noir aesthetics through sharp tailoring, deconstructed silhouettes, and fluid draping. Designed with expert craftsmanship in pattern cutting and draping, this collection seamlessly merges traditional techniques with modern sensibilities, embodying confidence, curiosity, and timeless elegance.
Stefania
Cristina Florea is a fashion design student at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. Her passion for fashion started at a young age while growing up in Romania, where handmade garments are an integral part of the culture. This deep connection to craftsmanship influences her work, bringing a personal and sentimental touch to her designs at university.
Cristina embraces simplicity to keep the focus on the garments themselves. "This collection means a lot to me, not just because of the time and effort it took to plan, design, and create, but because it truly reflects who I am as a designer."
Syd Swaine
After graduating from Leeds Beckett in 2024, Syd returned to their hometown of Cross Hills to establish their brand as a freelance seamstress and designer. Their work focuses on prolonging the life of garments through repairs and alterations, promoting sustainability and conscious fashion choices.
'Housewife Syndrome' is a Spring/Summer 24 womenswear collection inspired by 1950s fashion and the societal constraints placed on women during that era. The collection takes its name from the term used to misdiagnose women with depression at the time, reflecting themes of oppression, abusive relationships, and mental health struggles.
Hand-painted Rorschach inkblot prints represent the psychological impact of societal pressures, while contrasts in fit, material, and colour highlight the lack of autonomy experienced by women in the 1950s.
More than just clothing, 'Housewife Syndrome' is a wearable art piece, a tribute to women’s history, and a statement on how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go.
CHENGXI JIANG
CHENGXI JIANG was founded in 2023, blending Italian and Chinese cultural influences to create designs that embody both ritual and romance. With a focus on high-quality fabrics, carefully tailored, and a unique creative vision, the brand crafts elegant, feminine pieces with a soft texture.
This collection is inspired by the Feitian mural in Dunhuang, one of China’s most famous Buddhist artworks from the Tang Dynasty. JIANG combined its influence with the modern photography of Harley Weir, celebrating the natural beauty and strength of women. Thousands of years ago, people embraced body confidence and gender equality, but today, many face unhealthy self-restraint. Through this collection, we want to show that the power of women is timeless, crossing all ages and cultures from the past to the present.