Marks & Spencer (M&S) marked a century of fashion retail by debuting a catwalk show at London Fashion Week, held at the Design Museum. The event, attended by 310 guests including celebrities like Joan Collins, Ian Wright, and politician Kemi Badenoch, showcased the brand's current collections to an audience typically associated with luxury labels.

The show represented a strategic effort by the retailer to elevate its brand image. The event faced a unique challenge: reconciling M&S’s reputation for practical, everyday clothing—such as rainwear and elasticated waistbands—with the expectations of high-fashion critics. The Guardian noted that the event was a gamble for both the retailer and the fashion industry, questioning whether the brand could successfully pivot toward a more trend-focused identity without alienating its core customer base or failing to impress industry insiders.