London Fashion Week found one of its most luminous moments within the marble halls of Dartmouth House, where Byzantium, under the creative direction of Joanna Day, unveiled its “Empress” collection — a study in timeless elegance, craftsmanship, and quiet power. Part of the Fashion Represents showcase, the presentation moved between softness and structure, romanticism and resolve — an ode to modern femininity that felt both ethereal and self-assured.
The Empress collection flowed like a visual poem: liquid silks, gossamer chiffons, and hand-embroidered tulles gliding against sculptural bodices and tailored silhouettes. Each piece shimmered with the kind of intricate detail that Byzantium has become known for — a devotion to artistry that balances couture sensibility with wearability.
Having the opportunity to model in the show — wearing the third look — offered a personal glimpse into Joanna Day’s world of meticulous design. My gown, a soft ivory piece adorned with fine silver beading, caught the light in motion, its texture whispering with every step. From within the garment, I could feel the essence of the collection — strength in delicacy, craftsmanship in every thread, and a confidence that quietly commands the room.
Joanna Day’s vision draws from the brand’s namesake — Byzantium, the ancient Greek city that became Constantinople and, today, Istanbul. Steeped in legend, its art, fabrics, and architecture were renowned for their luxury and ornamentation — the very spirit that fuels the Byzantium Boutique. Translating this historic opulence into a contemporary language, Day brings “luxury style and design to the high street” without sacrificing refinement.
At Dartmouth House, that philosophy took form in handcrafted beading, romantic draping, and premium textures — silks, tulles, and brocades that seemed to glow under the soft lights. The palette, a symphony of blushes, pearls, and golds, evoked imperial mosaics reimagined for the modern woman.
Byzantium’s “Empress” isn’t just inspired by royalty — it redefines it. Joanna Day’s designs remind us that power need not be loud, and beauty need not be fragile. With this collection, Byzantium continues to bridge the past and present, offering pieces that feel timeless yet relevant — each one a wearable work of art.
My Goddess Complex 
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