A Symphony of Scent and Couture
I had the opportunity to attend one of the most sensorially unique presentations at this season’s London Fashion Week: The Barrus × Art de Huile collaboration. This was not just a fashion show, it was an immersive journey through sight, scent, and symbolism.
A Meeting of Two Worlds
Barrus, led by creative director Neslisah Yilmaz, is known for its couture elegance rooted in Ottoman heritage and refined craftsmanship. Art de Huile, founded by Hülya Kayhan, brings a completely different but deeply complementary discipline: aromatherapy and wellness. Together, they unveiled “7 Hills, 7 Heals, a collection that reimagines fashion as ritual, where fabrics don’t just drape the body, but awaken the senses.
A Sensory Runway Experience
Each look told a story drawn from Istanbul’s seven hills, a narrative that bridges culture, memory, and emotion. What set this show apart was the infusion of scent into the collection. Every scarf and shawl carried fragrance notes created by Art de Huile. It was fashion as atmosphere, clothing as aura.
The Unforgettable Moment
The highlight of the evening came when Lady Victoria Hervey appeared in a breathtaking gown. As she reached the end of the runway, the lights suddenly went out, plunging the room into darkness. Gasps rippled through the audience, and then, in a moment of pure theatre, the gown began to glow in the dark, transforming her into a living embodiment of Istanbul’s nightlife. It was dramatic, unexpected, and utterly mesmerising, the kind of moment that defines a show and lingers long after the applause fades.
More Than a Show, A Ritual
Leaving the venue, what struck me most was how personal it all felt. These weren’t simply garments to wear, but rituals to inhabit, stories, scents, and silhouettes that enveloped you in more than just fabric. Barrus × Art de Huile reminded us that the future of fashion lies not just in what we see, but in what we feel, breathe, and remember. And in that glow-in-the-dark moment, London Fashion Week felt a little more magical.
