Earlier this year, I was contacted by London and Shanghai-based contemporary fashion brand – Susan Fang. The brand was planning its Spring/Summer 2026 launch and they invited me to perform some handpan during the runway show. It was set to be held in the Barbican Conservatory – what a beautiful place for some handpan! I really loved this experience, so thought it might be a good idea to share what that entailed, what is was like, and all of the bits that made it so memorable.
The setting – music among nature and architecture.
I always love playing handpan in nature, and to do so in such an iconic venue felt very special. I was energised and inspired to play here! The atmosphere in the conservatory is quite interesting: within this Brutalist landmark lies a hidden world of green – trees, plants, and flowers softening the geometry of concrete with nature’s quiet resilience. A large glass roof celebrates the light of day.
The acoustics were intriguing, with soft echos reflecting through the pockets of space. The environment felt earthy – cool as I first entered but warmly welcomed, surrounded by my plant-friends – look at all the plants! As the venue filled with designers, models, press and industry figures, there was a hum in the conservatory – one of excitement and anticipation – What would be revealed in the show?
The fusion – fashion and sound.
The sounds of a runway show really shapes its energy. It guides the models and carries the audience on a journey. This moment aligned beautifully with the collection. I drew inspiration from a few of my compositions to pace the show dynamically, while leaving space for the music to flow organically.
During the morning run through, we enjoyed a moment to rehearse a few ideas. The aim was to compliment Susan Fang’s aesthetic – ethereal, nature-inspired, soft, experimental. Accompanied by my good friend Laura Williams on vocals, we performed for the entire 14-minute show. I began with soft, suggestive patterns to accompany dancer Kat Collings, gradually building to a more rolling, mid-paced flow. We finished with an earthy, upbeat segment of quite a rhythmic piece – a crescendo that paced the show through its finale. Here’s the after video of the show, featuring this rhythmic track.
The humans – making it happen.
It takes an incredible amount of talented people – all tuned to the same wavelength – to make something of this scale the success that it was! While the below is a list of the main contributors and collaborators, I just wanted to take a moment to recognise all of the incredible humans beyond it – from the stylists, to the models and the backstage crew. Everybody was so professional, calm and present. It really all came together to create a truly beautiful show.
- Creative Direction: @susanfangofficial
- Set Design by : @xl_architects
- Show Director: @vikkiburns_ @go2show
- Stylist: @phoebelettice
- Casting Director: @emilieastrom
- Makeup: @erngrn
- Hair by Anna Cofone @annacofone using @authenticbeautyconcept
- Contemporary Dancer: @killthekat_
- Live Instrument: @dcrogerson
- Live Vocalist: @lwilliamsmusic
- Videography: @maddsince81
- PR: @purplepr
- Stylist’s Assistant: @kiki.not.kk
- Skincare @skit
- Scented by @penhaligons
- Sneaker Collaboration @nike @nikesportswear @nikewomen
- Jelly shoes collaboration @melissaoficial @melissaofficial
- Furry Shoes and acc collaboration @rockfish_official
- Venue: @barbicancentre
The reflection – A personal moment, gratitude, and reflection
If you had told me a few years back that I’d be playing for a Susan Fang runway show in The Barbican, I would have paused to take that in. I love creating music with my handpan. The moments I cherish most are often quiet ones – playing alone at home, or closing a sound meditation with gentle improvisation.
Sharing these moments online isn’t really something that comes naturally to me, but when I started doing so back in 2020, I hoped to share a little peace, and slowly that’s steadily grown. This opportunity came about because someone on the Susan Fang team had seen one of these videos on my instagram.
It turned into a pinch-me moment I’ll never forget! A time when my handpan, my friend Laura and I created a moment of musical magic together. I left feeling elated, connected to a circle of new friends, and grateful that my music could fill such a wonderful space and time.
Before each performance, I take a moment to centre myself: a few deep breaths, eyes closed, and then – away we go. I have to be relaxed to play; it has to align with me. I navigate opportunities by honouring that truth.
What did I learn? People listen. They feel, connect, and care. When you put out what you truly believe in – with honesty and intention – that’s somehow amplified and it finds its way back to you in unexpected, beautiful forms.
Thanks for listening
Craig x