Skepta’s MAINS Spring/Summer 2025 collection made waves at London Fashion Week with its bold, school-boy-inspired collegiate vibe. The collection playfully reimagined the youth phase, from double-breasted suits to wrestling shorts, hinting at the delicate balance between growing up too fast and embracing youthful rebellion.
September 15, 2025. Skepta (Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr.), a renowned British-Nigerian rapper, debuted his MAINS Spring/Summer 2025 collection at London Fashion Week. This marked the second runway show of MAINS at London Fashion Week. Last year, Skepta’s MAINS brand made a powerful comeback at 2023 LFW after a five-year hiatus.
Skepta’s MAINS Spring/Summer 2025 Collection: Influenced By Rapper’s Own Personal Life!
His 2023 Ready to Wear SS Collection (showcased at Banking Hall) earned widespread praise for its seamless blend of feel-good and non-fussy clothing. That collection set the tone for MAINS’ return, capturing attention for its effortless style and laid-back yet elevated designs. However, for the MAINS Spring/Summer 2025 collection, Skepta has taken inspiration from his personal life. In a conversation with WWD, the 41-year-old Mercury Prize Winning Rapper recalled his childhood days when he used to feel embarrassed on non-uniform days at school. His mother, a devoted Princess Diana fan, would dress him and his brother in outfits reminiscent of young Princes William and Harry. She would often make them wear secondhand clothes, including tweed jackets, trousers, and “nice” collared shirts, aiming for a polished-royal-inspired look. However, during this time, all he wanted was a good pair of sneakers.
Skepta’s MAINS Spring/Summer 2025 collection is mainly influenced by this tension between parental expectations and personal style (which he himself experienced during childhood). Moreover, Skepta drew inspiration for his MAINS SS 2025 collection from the musical Matilda, a nod to his five-year-old daughter, River. After watching Matilda on her birthday, the musical’s imaginative and whimsical elements captured River’s heart.
It isn’t a secret anymore that Skepta adores edgy anime style and colorful, punchy prints. The same influence can be seen in his latest collection, too.
(Skepta with his daughter at MAINS Spring/Summer Collection 2024)
MAINS SS 2025 Collection: Melding Classic Fashion with Contemporary Trends
Skepta’s MAINS Spring/Summer 2025 Collection is the school-boy-inspired streetwear style at its finest. The collection was showcased at 80 Vincent Square, where the venue’s dome-shaped structure was adorned with sticker-stamped lockers and university flags. This was made to evoke a nostalgic school environment.
In keeping with Skepta’s signature approach, the collection featured just 27 looks that spanned both men’s and women’s wear on unisex lines. Well, this isn’t much surprising at all! Skepta has often confessed that he wears both men’s and women’s clothing.
Coming back to the topic, this collection is a perfect amalgamation of classic fashion and contemporary trends. As the models dashed down the cement flooring for a dramatic entrance, my eyes were stunned. Each outfit was impeccably tailored and designed, showcasing crisp and well-structured suits. The styling of oversized silhouettes with preppy, collegiate-inspired outfits is what gained my attention. I mean, this dynamic blend of several styles was astounding. One of the highlights from the collection was graphic double-breasted suits emblazoned with motifs of essential school supplies. Besides this, fluffy fur pieces and creamy handbags added a touch of luxury and an edgy feel to the collection (I think it was truly influenced by Skepta’s Grime and Punk roots).
This collection also featured Skepta’s trademark oversized style influences. The incorporation of sheer button-down shirts and leather wrestling shorts seamlessly blended formal and causal style elements. Moreover, some designs also featured MAINS university logos that mimicked traditional scholastic merchandise.
One thing I loved about this collection was its versatility and diversity. The pairing of embroidered bomber jackets and USA flag sweater vests perfectly infused a sense of American classicism. Bodybuilding-themed characters on slashed T-shirts added a playful feel, while leopard and camouflage prints perfectly represented 2000s school dress. These prints appeared on slim neckties, pocket squares, and headgear. The overall outfits were complemented by color-blocked school bags, leather gloves, and floral wreath-printed caps.
Collaborations with Fashion Footwear Leaders!
A runway show for the showcase of Skepta’s MAINS Spring/Summer 2025 collection also included collaborations with several fashion footwear giants like PUMA, Kickers, Knitup, and Gentle Monster. The integration of PUMA’s spiky Mostros and Speedycat models perfectly blended urban sophistication with athletic influences. However, the grand finale of the runway show was the official debut of the MAINS x KIckers collaboration, featuring old-school leather boots set on vibrant yellow gum soles.
Closing of Runway Show for Skepta’s MAINS Spring/Summer Collection!
The closing of Skepta’s MAINS Spring/Summer 2025 runway show was nothing short of heartwarming and personal. A ‘Matilda’ musical number, “When I Grow Up,” was played as the final looks were presented. This act filled the venue with a sense of nostalgia and innocence. Then, Skepta and his daughter, alongside other kids, came on the runway to close the runway show. This finale not only underscored the collegiate inspiration of the collection but also highlighted Skepta’s ability to blend his personal life with his creative work.
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