London Fashion Week
London Fashion Week stands alongside New York, Milan and Paris as part of the "Big Four" fashion weeks making up fashion month. It is the second fashion week taking place during fashion month, following New York and preceding Milan and Paris. London Fashion Week is the newest of the four — its first edition was organized in February 1984 by the British Fashion Council for the London Development Agency, held at the Commonwealth Institute's car park in Kensington.
London Fashion Week hosts spring collections shows in September, while fall collections are historically shown in February.
The city's fashion week was bolstered in 1985 when Princess Diana held a reception for various designers at Lancaster House.
In 1993, the British Fashion Council established the Newgen program, which helped support emerging designers. Newgen offers designers financial support, showcasing opportunities and mentoring to develop critical skills to help designers future-proof their businesses.
London Fashion Week has been through several venue changes, including Somerset House, Soho's Brewer Street and The Store Studios on The Strand, though many shows take place offsite at venues like Tate Modern and Royal Courts of Justice.
London's fashion scene was influenced early on from the city's clubs and counterculture — that vibe carries through to today, as many young, edgy designers show during London Fashion Week.
The city is known for classic British designs, including from Burberry. In recent years, eyes are also on Jonathan Anderson and his J.W. Anderson label, as well as Charles Jeffrey's Loverboy.
London Fashion Week has hosted its share of memorable moments, including Naomi Campbell walking topless for Philip Treacy in 1993; Spice Girl Mel B walking for Julien Macdonald in 1999; and Shalom Harlow twirling while robots spray painted her dress at Alexander McQueen's 1999 show.
London Fashion Week
Daniel Lee to Join Burberry as Chief Creative Officer
Lee will replace Riccardo Tisci who is stepping down from his role just days after showing his spring 2023…
Irina Shayk Wears Edgy Eyelet-embellished Leather Minidress at Burberry’s London Fashion Week Party
The model walked in the brand's spring 2023 runway show and celebrated at a star-studded soiree.
What Could Be Next for Riccardo Tisci After Burberry?
The company, which is 100 percent quoted on the London Stock Exchange, has not addressed any of the brewing…
Istituto Marangoni Makes Debut at London Fashion Week and Celebrating Its Patronage of the BFC
The theme for the show was "Sense Datum," which translates to the enrichment and expansion of the senses.
Richard Quinn RTW Spring 2023
The designer staged two shows in one. The first paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and the next was a camp…
The London Fashion Week Brands, Designers That Captured Attention With Their Democratic and Wearable Collections
During a recession and cost-of-living crisis, these designers understand what their customers need and want.
Emilia Wickstead RTW Spring 2023
The designer looked to '30s Paris, Lee Miller and Man Ray for inspiration. The collection was sporty, elegant…
Nicola Coughlan Opens Up About New Season of ‘Bridgerton’ and How the Netflix Show Has Influenced Her Style
The Irish actress attended the Christopher Kane show in London.
16Arlington RTW Spring 2023
A stiff collection with a glimpse of star power for Marco Capaldo's second season alone.
Halpern RTW Spring 2023
A tribute to the Barbie Dreamhouse set the glamorous template for the collection.
David Koma RTW Spring 2023
The Georgian-born designer names American marine biologist Sylvia Earle as a muse for a sea-inspired show.
Nensi Dojaka RTW Spring 2023
A book of Jean-Paul Goude images set the mood for this sultry, yet empowering collection.
JW Anderson RTW Spring 2023
The collection teemed with wit, originality and compelling clothes.
Poster Girl RTW Spring 2023
If anyone can reach out to the dark side of Gen Z, it's Central Saint Martin's alumni Francesca Capper and…
S.S. Daley RTW Spring 2023
The designer laid out a garden set, and conscripted actors to read wrenching love letters.