Dave Stewart Closes John Richmond’s SS27 London Fashion Week Show with Velvet Underground Classic

According to the official show press release, Dave performed "White Light/White Heat" live as the finale to Richmond's SS27 presentation, with models and musicians returning to the runway and gathering around him as the show reached its climax. The performance was designed to unite fashion, music and live performance into a single closing moment.

The collection itself took its title directly from The Velvet Underground's landmark 1968 song "White Light/White Heat", written by Lou Reed and originally released as the title track from the band's second studio album. The song became one of the defining recordings of the American underground rock movement and is widely regarded as a major influence on punk, alternative and experimental rock. Its themes of energy, speed and electricity provided the inspiration for Richmond's latest collection.

Richmond has long drawn inspiration from music culture, and the SS27 show reflected that heritage. The designer's press notes described music as "the invisible architecture of the collection", with young musicians appearing on the runway alongside models throughout the presentation.

The guest list reflected the close links between fashion and music that have defined Richmond's career for more than four decades. Among those reportedly attending were Nick Rhodes and Roger Taylor of Duran Duran, Carl Barât of The Libertines, Lennon Gallagher, son of Liam Gallagher, and Louis Starkey and Sonny Starkey, grandchildren of Ringo Starr.

Fashion industry reports noted that Dave was one of the star attractions of the event. Speaking at the show, he revealed that he has been wearing John Richmond designs since 1989, and indeed he helped with the design of The Spiritual Cowboys branding, while Richmond has also created costumes for Dave's recent tours. "We've been friends for a long time," Dave told reporters attending the presentation.

The appearance adds another unexpected chapter to an exceptionally busy year for Dave, who continues to combine music, fashion, film and visual art projects while preparing for the release of his forthcoming album The Way It Was Back Then later this year.