On 21 February, Devonshire Square hosted the third edition of Fashion Discover London — an international showcase in a new format presented during London Fashion Week. The event focused on neurodiversity and raising awareness of dyslexia, demonstrating that fashion can be a tool for inclusion, education and social change.
The venue was filled with guests. Fashion Discover London placed neurodiversity at the centre of the conversation.
Dyslexia is often simplified as “word blindness” — a genetic, lifelong neurobiological condition that affects reading, writing and spelling. At the same time, many people with dyslexia show pronounced strengths in visual and creative fields. Statistically, one in five people have dyslexia.
Fashion Discover London dedicated its third edition to this theme. Organised jointly by the UA in UK Community and VOLKOVA PR & Talent Agency, with the support of Devonshire Square, the event continued its mission of supporting independent designers and socially driven creative initiatives.
More than 200 guests attended, including TV presenters, actors, influencers, entrepreneurs, investors, editors, buyers, creative directors and cultural figures from Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Among the attendees were Stefanos Dimoulas, Zachariah Smith, Marcin Siwicki, Raahim Khan, Maxwell Agbede, Georges Berthonneau, Reuben Collins, Blu Chegini, Reiss Boyce, Abi Lindsay (Abigail) with John Paul Shepard, and many others.
The evening became not only a showcase but also a testing ground for international brands planning to enter the UK market, as well as a next step in the professional growth of independent designers.
This season placed particular emphasis on neurodiversity, with fashion acting as a vehicle for education.
Designers’ Voices
One of the key participants was Art Chase Series by Marlon James-Edwards, a stylist, creative director, founder of ArtChaSeries and an advocate for neurodiversity. Marlon is an entrepreneur with dyslexia and the recipient of the British Dyslexia Association’s Inspirational Teacher Award 2024.
“Neurodiversity creates greatness… and economy. Often, people who think differently are ruled out. But we think strategically, creatively, and we are able to generate income and economic value. So investing in neurodiverse people is good for your business,” he says.
Asked what inspired his collection, Marlon answers simply:
“My dyslexia inspired me to start a brand with a clear focus. I have always been interested in design and education. In 2020, I realised I wanted to launch a brand. It took a year and a half to move from concept to business. We officially started in 2022. It has been an exciting journey for me and my business partner Liselle Joselyn — we are both dyslexic and went to school together. The biggest challenge along the way was money. This is a completely independent business. We don’t have a major investor, so finances were tight at times. But that will change,” he adds with a smile.
Heritage and Spring
The brand AQL & NAFS, represented by creative directors Zohal Krieg and Muesal Koschwitz, draws inspiration from Afghan heritage and the colours of spring.
Their message is simple:
“You can have beautiful clothes and a clear conscience by doing good.”
The brand reinterprets the Afghan coat — a historic garment created by nomadic artisans using natural shearling and passed down through generations. In the 1960s and 1970s, it became a symbol of counterculture, worn by The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and later David Bowie. Today, Aql & Nafs brings the coat back to its origins through the hands of Afghan women, with respect for tradition and identity.
The designers also share that they are particularly inspired by the style of Michelle Obama, whom they see as a strong woman with the right values and an excellent sense of style.
An International Stage
This season also marked the debut of designer Marva Nazari — her first collection and her first presentation to a major international audience. Her multicultural background combines Afghan, Ukrainian and Pakistani influences.
Among the participants was the Greek brand Thira Taf — a non-traditional label redefining elegance through movement and latex materials. The inspiration came from the sensation of being “sweaty from dancing”, with garments designed to respond dynamically to the body in motion.
