Erdem, Gay’s The Word And Homo Sapiens Celebrate The Launch Of A LGBTQIA+ Charity T-Shirt
On Thursday evening, the Erdem flagship store in London was the scene of a joyful Pride cocktail hosted by Erdem Moralioglu in collaboration with Gay’s The Word and the Homo Sapiens podcast. The event marked the launch of a limited edition t-shirt created to support two LGBTQIA+ charities: Not a Phase and akt.
The white tee, adorned with carnations in light blue, pink, white, and green, serves both as a nod to the Transgender Pride Flag and a historic symbol of queer identity—the green carnation, made famous by Oscar Wilde. All profits from the t-shirt go directly to the two charities, making this a fashion moment that’s as meaningful as it is stylish.
Florals, but make it fine art
Back in London following the Biarritz Film Festival, it’s no surprise to see Keira Knightley in attendance. When she’s not in Chanel, she’s almost always in Erdem—and on this occasion, she chose a dress from the label’s Fall 2025 collection. While the collection is rooted in Kaye Donachie’s abstract portraiture, Keira opted for an Erdem signature: a floral dress featuring a painterly print that echoes Donachie’s emotional brushwork.
The silhouette, intentionally shaped like a canvas, leans into the conceptual artistry of the collection. I keep going back and forth on whether the look might have benefited from a belt—but ultimately, the raw edges and unfitted shape feel purposeful rather than unfinished.
She completed the look with gold Mary Janes and Erdem’s Bloom bag—the house’s signature accessory, adding a touch of sculptural charm to the ensemble.
Modern flapper realness
Yasmin Finney bucked the florals and opted for one of the more minimal designs from Erdem’s Spring 2025 collection—a sleek, bias-cut midi dress that gently skimmed the body. With a soft drop waist and that classic 1920s sway, the look felt equal parts retro and refined. She, too, carried the Erdem Bloom mini bag, grounding the look in the house’s signature accessories.
Colman Domingo, you’ve got competition
Otamere Guobadia fully embraced the “florals encouraged” memo, stepping out in a head-to-toe Erdem Felipe floral-print linen shirt and shorts set. What made it pop? His unique spin. A white tie, calf-high socks, and a pair of black-and-white loafers that shouldn’t work—but absolutely do. Usually, only Colman Domingo has the footwear charisma to sell this shoe combo to me, but Otamere? He’s making a strong case, and I’m buying it.
It was a night that celebrated queerness, creativity, and community—with fashion playing the joyful, expressive thread running through it all.
Not A Phase – a trans-led grassroots charity committed to uplifting and improving the lives of trans+ adults, through awareness campaigning, social projects and funding trans+ led initiatives
akt – the only national charity dedicated to providing support for LGBTQIA+ 16–25-year-olds at risk or currently experiencing homelessness
Gay’s The Word – the UK’s first LGBTQIA+ book shop, located in the heart of Bloomsbury
Homo Sapiens – the world from a queer perspective: a podcast with conversations, stories and a good old laugh with LGBQTI+ icons, allies, and their listeners, hosted by Chris Sweeney
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