A Dialogue with History. Bora Aksu Presented His SS27 Collection at London Fashion Week

For Spring/Summer 2027, Bora Aksu once again approaches history as a living source of inspiration. This season, the starting point is the life of Mary Beale, one of England’s earliest professional female artists, who in the 17th century managed not only to build a successful career but also to become the main source of income for her family.

Her husband, Charles Beale, supported her career and effectively became the manager of her studio — an unconventional partnership for the time that reflected Mary’s belief in equality within marriage. A sought-after portraitist, Beale painted members of the nobility, influential churchmen and other prominent figures of her era. Her work captured a world of power and privilege, while her own position within that world remained exceptional: as she documented the society around her through portraiture, she was also building an independent life through her own creative work.

Her story can be read through the construction of the collection itself. Structured 17th-century tailoring, waistcoats, shirting and defined shoulders are combined with sheer fabrics, lace, ribbons and Bora Aksu’s signature romanticism. The tension between structure and fragility becomes one of the key visual languages of the season.

Traditional Antep embroidery from Gaziantep also plays an important role in the collection. Handmade by local female artisans, some of the intricate details take up to six months to complete, turning each piece into a reminder of the value of time, craftsmanship and the human touch.

Bora Aksu SS27 is not simply a reference to the past, but a conversation about female independence, heritage and the way seemingly outdated motifs can still feel entirely contemporary.